Kahns Bloghttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog
60Drinks Perfect for Halloweenhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/drinks-perfect-for-halloween
<table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="10" style="width: 90%"><tbody><tr><td style="height: 20px; vertical-align: top;">&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td style="height: 150px; vertical-align: top;"><img align="left" alt="" height="170" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/f3ca854a-827b-480a-8698-26d84cf41ba7/halloween-drinks.gif" style="width:300px;height:170px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:20px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="300" />After searching the aisles of our store, we have found the Halloween spirits that will bring your party back from the dead. Your guests will love these fun, unique beverages perfect for your Halloween Party. If you&#39;re not hosting, perhaps show up with Crystal Head Vodka as a gift for your hosts. That will surely raise their spirits. Read below to learn about these spooky drinks...</td></tr><tr><td style="height: 150px; vertical-align: top;"><p><br /><a href="https://kahnsfinewines.securemp.com/spirits/cordials-liqueurs/mozart-pumpkin-spice-liqueur/mpsfi/147cd830-4f51-4c1a-91a6-cadcb7ec2538" target="_blank"><img align="left" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/2dc1de34-5dcd-4146-a6d5-6526266053af/l_10_19_mozart.jpg" style="width:140px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:15px;margin-bottom:5px;margin-left:10px" title="" width="140" /><b style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">MOZART PUMPKIN Spice Liqueur&nbsp;</b></a><span style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">750 ml&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">LIST: $29.99&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">SALE: $23.99</strong></p><p>Mozart Chocolate Cream Pumpkin Spice Liqueur is a distinctive composition of chocolate, caramel, and natural pumpkin juice, enhanced with high quality ingredients: cinnamon, clove, vanilla, and a breeze of chili. The result is a unique spicy-creamy taste, and a masterpiece of blending that is sure to delight this autumn. The high quality chocolate and ripe pumpkin taste make it the perfect fireside indulgence for a moonlit night.</p></td></tr><tr><td style="height: 150px;"><p><a href="https://kahnsfinewines.securemp.com/spirits/brandies/imported-brandy/mephisto-absinthe-classique/mpsfi/21f6a406-4c6b-4408-b9e5-53b94bae51ab" target="_blank"><b style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><img align="left" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/8183392b-74a1-4976-add9-c46c003bb55e/l_10_19_mephisto.jpg" style="width:140px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:15px;margin-bottom:5px;margin-left:10px" title="" width="140" />MEPHISTO ABSINTHE Classique&nbsp;</b></a><span style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">750 ml</span><br style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" /><span style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">LIST: $32.99&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">SALE: $24.99</strong></p><p>Mephisto is handmade using an original, century old recipe dating back to 1909. Like most pre-ban absinthes, Mephisto is made from a neutral spirit base and features a variety of unique blend of flowers and herbs, most notably, grand wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), green anise and sweet fennel. It obtains its green color the traditional way, by soaking a variety of herbs (including petit wormwood) in the distillate, which releases chlorophyll from the petit wormood, coloring the absinthe.</p></td></tr><tr><td style="height: 150px;"><p><a href="https://kahnsfinewines.securemp.com/spirits/vodka/domestic-vodka/crystal-head-vodka/mpsfi/c307105c-3d7e-4a3f-9fec-6a6e95d26e14" target="_blank"><b style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><img align="left" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/2d85d21e-d937-4d0a-bf31-ebdc96df4ca9/l_10_19_crystal_skull.jpg" style="width:140px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:15px;margin-bottom:5px;margin-left:10px" title="" width="140" />CRYSTAL HEAD Vodka&nbsp;</b></a><span style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">50 ml</span><br style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" /><span style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">LIST: $12.99&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">SALE: $9.99</strong></p><p>Highest quality peaches and cream corn is distilled four times into a neutral grain spirit and blended with pristine water from Newfoundland,&nbsp; Canada. The liquid is then filtered seven times, of which three are through layers of semi precious crystals known as Herkimer diamonds.</p><p>THE CRYSTAL HEAD BOTTLE WAS DESIGNED WITH A PURE SPIRIT IN MIND. Dan Aykroyd and John Alexander wanted to craft a vessel worthy of one of the world&rsquo;s purest vodkas. A symbol of life, reflecting power and enlightenment, to hold their award-winning white spirit of super natural purity. Crystal Head contains no additives. No glycerol, citrus oils or sugars. Nothing is added to enhance or mask the taste.</p></td></tr><tr><td style="height: 150px;"><p><a href="https://kahnsfinewines.securemp.com/spirits/rum/capt-morgan-jack-o-blast-pumpkin/mpsfi/cbcbdf2d-0bf8-4602-8144-53104d381e7a" target="_blank"><b style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><img align="left" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/369fa367-0ca1-4743-889d-d53a61ea6663/l_10_19_capt_morgan_pumpkin.jpg" style="width:140px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:15px;margin-bottom:5px;margin-left:10px" title="" width="140" />CAPT MORGAN JACK-O-BLAST PUMPKIN&nbsp;&nbsp;</b></a><span style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">750 ml</span><br style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" /><span style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">LIST: $19.99&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">SALE: $17.99</strong></p><p>LIMITED EDITION! The latest shot from the Captain delivers seasonal flavors of pumpkin spice mixed with your favorite spiced rum. You&rsquo;ll love it as a chilled shot, but Jack-O&rsquo;Blast is also the perfect way to add some fall spice to your favorite cocktails. Look for the unmissable pumpkin shaped bottle and make sure you don&rsquo;t miss out.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></td></tr><tr><td style="height: 150px;"><p><a href="https://kahnsfinewines.securemp.com/spirits/whiskey/rye-whiskey/bone-snapper-single-barrel-rye-4yr-100pr/mpsfi/27287857-26a7-4731-ab8a-7dfc4c08ae4a" target="_blank"><b style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><img align="left" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/9a6676d3-dc72-4ae5-a2b3-07f0192d28b2/l_10_19_bone_snapper.jpg" style="width:140px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:15px;margin-bottom:5px;margin-left:10px" title="" width="140" />BONE SNAPPER Single Barrel Rye 4YR&nbsp;&nbsp;</b></a><span style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">750 ml</span><br style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" /><span style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">LIST: $60.00&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">SALE: $45.99</strong></p><p>Where other rye whiskeys are watered down, Bone Snapper Rye is the big proof, bold flavor rye that makes your money well spent. No wonder it was named a Top 5 Rye Whiskey by Maxim Magazine.</p><p>Distilled with a mash of 95% rye and 5% malt, the rye ages in small batches in Bardstown, KY, before being bottled. No chill-filtration. No mystery ingredients. Just great rye whiskey with a bold, spicy flavor bottled at 108 proof.</p><p>Every bottle of Bone Snapper Rye delivers a smooth, consistent punch that is the reward for anyone who has put in a hard day&rsquo;s work and earned the right to drink a Rye, served neat or in a classic cocktail.</p></td></tr><tr><td style="height: 150px;"><p><a href="https://kahnsfinewines.securemp.com/spirits/cocktails-prepared/bacardi-rtd-zombie/mpsfi/d3b3b934-887d-4f36-8325-b0622bed533c" target="_blank"><b style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><img align="left" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/0262c3df-14f5-4b20-bab0-22864bc1a4ae/l_10_19_bacardi.jpg" style="width:140px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:15px;margin-bottom:5px;margin-left:10px" title="" width="140" />BACARDI &#39;Pre-mixed&#39; ZOMBIE&nbsp;&nbsp;</b></a><span style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">1.75 L</span><br style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" /><span style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">LIST: $14.99&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(52, 8, 21); font-family: sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">SALE: $12.99</strong></p><p>A refreshing mix of Bacardi rum and quality ingredients make this ready to serve drink. Just open and pour over ice. Sweet rum, pineapple, lime, orange and apricot flavors.</p></td></tr><tr><td style="height: 20px;">&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td style="height: 150px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="142" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/fdd314bf-345f-4003-acbf-8cff2e9b8ae4/wine_sale_email_10_19_animation.gif" style="width: 250px; height: 142px; margin: 0px; float: left;" title="" width="250" /><img alt="" height="142" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/a4316899-1ec4-4716-9fdf-c8ce266db900/liquor_sale_email_10_26.gif" style="width: 250px; height: 142px; margin: 0px; float: right;" title="" width="250" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p> (Kahn's Fine Wines)Thu, 25 Oct 2018 18:52:00 GMTSome Classic Fall Drinkshttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/some-classic-fall-drinks
Some classic fall alcoholic drink recipes. Perfect for a party or sipping by the fire. (Kahn's Fine Wines and Spirits)Tue, 09 Oct 2018 15:47:00 GMTA Quick Guide to Italian Liqueurshttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/a-quick-guide-to-italian-liqueurs
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} </style></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="600"><!-- Main Wrapper Table with initial width set to 60opx --><tbody><tr><!-- HTML IMAGE SPACER --><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><img alt="" height="" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/orig/7ff7e6c2-7cdc-453c-9d48-74cadde76b9c/italian-liqueurs.jpg" width="100%" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><!-- HTML Spacer row --><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="96%"><tbody><tr><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;">&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><!-- Introduction area --><td><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="96%"><tbody><tr><!-- row container for TITLE/EMAIL THEME --><td align="center" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 2.5em; color: #929292; font-family: sans-serif;">A Quick Guide To Italian Liqueurs</td></tr><tr><!-- row container for Tagline --><td align="center" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight:300; color: #929292; font-family: sans-serif;">Italian Drink Recipes for End of Summer</td></tr><tr><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="96%"><tbody><tr><!-- HTML Spacer row --><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;">&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><!-- Row container for Intro/ Description --><td align="left" style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 100; color: #929292; line-height: 1.8; text-align:justify; padding:10px 20px 0px 20px; font-family: sans-serif;">While Italy is often known for their wines, there is a whole world of Italian Liqueurs to explore. We&rsquo;re just scratching the surface on these liqueurs today, but hopefully this gives you a better idea of the types of drinks you can enjoy with the recipes/descriptions below. As Summer is coming to an end, these drinks are the perfect way to enjoy the last few warm Summer days.<br /><br /><strong>Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur mainly produced in Southern Italy. </strong> - Traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestive, it is also used to make various cocktails. Today we&rsquo;re going to focus on a cool drink that is perfect to drink outside while the sun is warming you up. It doesn&rsquo;t get much easier than this either. <strong>Limoncello and Bubbles.</strong> A lot of times, too much liqueur can make your drink too sweet. A great way to combat the sweetness is to add some bubbles. In a Champagne flute, combine 1 ounce limoncello and 5 ounces of Prosecco. Voila. A great refreshing drink for a warm Summer&rsquo;s day.<br /><br /><strong>Galliano is a sweet herbal liqueur created in 1896.</strong> - Offering natural flavors of anise, juniper berry, musk yarrow, lavender, peppermint, cinnamon and Galliano&rsquo;s most noted vanilla flavor. Galliano is a sweet liqueur with subtle citrus and woodsy herbal notes. It is great for drinking as a digestive (especially after a heavy Italian dinner), as well as in cocktails. With the end of Summer approaching, <b>we&rsquo;re going to show you how to make a Harvey Wallbanger.</b> What you&rsquo;ll need: Highball glass, ice, vodka, Galliano, orange juice. Mix 1.5 oz vodka with 3 oz orange juice, stir together with the ice. Then float 0.5 - 1 oz of Galliano on top. Garnish with Orange slice or Maraschino cherry. Sit back, sip. Repeat til finished.<br /><br /><strong>Maraschino Liqueur is obtained through the distillation of Marasca cherries. </strong> - This smooth, yet strong liqueur boasts sweet flavors with notes of nutty and funky flavors. Not much of a cherry taste as you would assume, but offers a well-rounded flavorful finish. While you can drink Maraschino by itself, it is best used mixed with other ingredients. <b>One example is the Aviator Martini.</b> What you&rsquo;ll need: 2 oz Aviator Gin <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/spirits/gin/imported-gin/aviation-gin-84pr/mpsfi/787c4dfa-2eb0-4887-97dc-c46e6a69d095" target="_blank">(which is on sale this week)</a>, 1 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, 1 oz lemon juice, 1 whole cherry. Fill a shaker with ice cubes, add all ingredients&hellip;. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with cherry. This Aviator martini will get you ready for take off.<br /><br /><strong>Sambuca is an Italian anise-flavored liqueur. </strong> -Other spices such as elderflower, liquorice and others may also be included. While the other Italian liqueurs we have explored today are great mixers, this one is best served neat. Or on the rocks. It is also considered to go well with coffee. Whether you drink it after your coffee or add it directly, that is up to you..<br />&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><!-- HTML Spacer row --><td height="10" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="96%"><tbody><tr><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;">&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="responsive-table" style="margin: 10px 0px 10px 0px;" width="48%"><!-- Table container for each image and description in catalog --><tbody><tr><td><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveImage" width="66%"><!-- Table container for image --><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="padding:10px 3px 10px 3px;"><img alt="sample" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/orig/2175db47-f55e-4845-9a67-3b4ba856f901/09_12_don_cicio.jpg
" style="width: 175px;" /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveContent" width="66%"><!-- Table container for content --><tbody><tr><td><p style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; color: #340815; padding: 5px 0px 0px 10px;line-height: 1.5em; font-family: sans-serif;"><b>DON CICCIO<br />Limoncello </b><br />750 ml<br />LIST: $29.99<br /><strong>SALE: $24.99</strong></p><p style="background-color:#AAAAAA; text-align:center; padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px; margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px;color: #FFFFFF; font-family: sans-serif; "><a href="https://kahnsfinewines.securemp.com/spirits/cordials-liqueurs/don-ciccio-limoncello-42pr/mpsfi/d59de259-2352-4977-8a53-d44d889bb07c
" style="text-decoration:none">SHOP</a></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="responsive-table" style="margin: 10px 0px 10px 0px;" width="48%"><!-- Table container for each image and description in catalog --><tbody><tr><td><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveImage" width="66%"><!-- Table container for image --><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="padding:10px 3px 10px 3px;"><img alt="sample" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/orig/b9bfa59e-02bb-4cc9-b949-09a58aaf0c1d/09_12_galliano.jpg
" style="width: 175px;" /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveContent" width="66%"><!-- Table container for content --><tbody><tr><td><p style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; color: #340815; padding: 5px 0px 0px 10px;line-height: 1.5em; font-family: sans-serif;"><b>GALLIANO<br />Liqueur </b><br />375 ml and 750 ml<br />LIST: $23.99 - 36.99<br /><strong>SALE: $19.99 - 31.99</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="background-color:#AAAAAA; text-align:center; padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px; margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px;color: #FFFFFF; font-family: sans-serif; "><a href="http://app.kahnsfinewines.com/Search.aspx?q=GALLIANO
" style="text-decoration:none">SHOP</a></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="responsive-table" style="margin: 10px 0px 10px 0px;" width="48%"><!-- Table container for each image and description in catalog --><tbody><tr><td><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveImage" width="66%"><!-- Table container for image --><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="padding:10px 3px 10px 3px;"><img alt="sample" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/orig/67d85c6c-bbe3-4e39-8bec-ff59c6dd91da/09_12_luxardo.jpg
" style="width: 175px;" /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveContent" width="66%"><!-- Table container for content --><tbody><tr><td><p style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; color: #340815; padding: 5px 0px 0px 10px;line-height: 1.5em; font-family: sans-serif;"><b>LUXARDO Maraschino Liqueur </b><br />750 ml<br />LIST: $35.99<br /><strong>SALE: $30.99</strong></p><p style="background-color:#AAAAAA; text-align:center; padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px; margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px;color: #FFFFFF; font-family: sans-serif; "><a href="https://kahnsfinewines.securemp.com/spirits/cordials-liqueurs/luxardo-maraschino-liqueur/mpsfi/f4331327-fc48-40c4-b55a-676ccd09c7e6
" style="text-decoration:none">SHOP</a></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="responsive-table" style="margin: 10px 0px 10px 0px;" width="48%"><!-- Table container for each image and description in catalog --><tbody><tr><td><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveImage" width="66%"><!-- Table container for image --><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="padding:10px 3px 10px 3px;"><img alt="sample" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/orig/382c0f37-868e-4bad-9bc6-37912b7dbe7d/09_12_sambuca.jpg
" style="width: 175px;" /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveContent" width="66%"><!-- Table container for content --><tbody><tr><td><p style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; color: #340815; padding: 5px 0px 0px 10px;line-height: 1.5em; font-family: sans-serif;"><b>ROMANA<br />SAMBUCA 84@ </b><br />750 ml<br />LIST: $27.99<br /><strong>SALE: $23.99</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="background-color:#AAAAAA; text-align:center; padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px; margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px;color: #FFFFFF; font-family: sans-serif; "><a href="https://kahnsfinewines.securemp.com/spirits/cordials-liqueurs/romana-sambuca-84/mpsfi/27636be7-9fce-4b7f-bebe-5c7abc8eb178
" style="text-decoration:none">SHOP</a></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><!-- HTML spacer row --><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="96%"><tbody><tr><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;">&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p> (Kahn's Fine Wines)Fri, 14 Sep 2018 17:48:00 GMTDrinks For Labor Dayhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/drinks-for-labor-day
<p><!--Quite a few clients strip your Doctype out, and some even apply their own. Many clients do honor your doctype and it can make things much easier if you can validate constantly against a Doctype.--></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><title></title><!-- Please use an inliner tool to convert all CSS to inline as inpage or external CSS is removed by email clients --><!-- important in CSS is used to prevent the styles of currently inline CSS from overriding the ones mentioned in media queries when corresponding screen sizes are encountered --><style type="text/css">body {
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} </style></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="600"><!-- Main Wrapper Table with initial width set to 60opx --><tbody><tr><!-- HTML IMAGE SPACER --><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><img alt="" height="" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/orig/3c398916-8c2e-4829-8e25-6e6e850fbe53/drinks_for_labor_day.jpg" width="100%" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><!-- HTML Spacer row --><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="96%"><tbody><tr><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;">&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><!-- Introduction area --><td><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="96%"><tbody><tr><!-- row container for TITLE/EMAIL THEME --><td align="center" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 2.5em; color: #929292; font-family: sans-serif;">DRINKS FOR LABOR DAY</td></tr><tr><!-- row container for Tagline --><td align="center" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight:300; color: #929292; font-family: sans-serif;">Cheers to the End of Summer!</td></tr><tr><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="96%"><tbody><tr><!-- HTML Spacer row --><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;">&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><!-- Row container for Intro/ Description --><td align="left" style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 100; color: #929292; line-height: 1.8; text-align:justify; padding:10px 20px 0px 20px; font-family: sans-serif;">We&#39;ve assembled some great drinks to help you celebrate your Labor Day Weekend. We have you covered from canned beer for cookouts and bonfires to sipping scotch on your patio, we have some great drinks for you. Maybe you&#39;re more of a glass of wine while grilling type of person? Kahn&#39;s has got you covered too. Read below for some of our favorite Labor Day weekend drinks and recipes. All beverages listed below are currently on sale!<br /><br /><strong>Highland Journey Blended Scotch</strong> - As far as recipes go... it doesn&#39;t get much easier than this. Grab a whiskey snifter. Open bottle. Pour 2 oz into glass. Voila! Now, if you don&#39;t prefer to to drink it neat (straight), you can add water or ice. <a href="https://kahnsfinewines.securemp.com/spirits/whiskey/blended-scotch-whiskey/highland-journey-92-4-pr/mpsfi/ddb0f298-7761-4ccb-837c-b5dba0721a7b">You can order Highland Journey Here</a><br /><br /><strong>Suavecito Margaritas</strong> - We carry 3 varietals of <a href="http://app.kahnsfinewines.com/Search.aspx?q=suavecito">Suavecito Tequila: Anejo, Blanco, Reposado.</a> For our purposes today, we&#39;ll be using the Suavecito Reposado Tequila to use in our margarita. You&#39;ll need 1.5 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup, 0.5 oz triple sec and 2 oz of Suavecito Reposado tequila. Salt if you like. Mix all ingredients in a shaker, add salt to rim of glass. Garnish with a lime. There you have yourself a delicious margarita for your Labor Day Festivities.<br /><br /><strong>Hoosier Bloody Mary</strong> - What makes this bloody mary a Hoosier? Well, both the vodka and mix are made right here in the Hoosier state. Mix <a href="https://kahnsfinewines.securemp.com/spirits/vodka/domestic-vodka/hunt-club-vodka-80pr/mpsfi/2144a2bc-4701-47f0-8698-4d505f320a70">Hunt Club Vodka</a> and Amazing Hazel&#39;s Bloody Mary mix and you have yourself a mighty tasty bloody mary to start your day off with. Or perhaps end your day with. Or perhas both. Regardless, you&#39;ll love this bloody mary. You can garnish with whatever you like: olive, pickle, celery, bacon, cheeseburger, slice of pizza, hot dog.<br /><br /><strong>Mmmm.... Beer</strong> - Beer and Labor Day go together like... well... Beer and Labor day. There really isn&#39;t anything that goes better together. Pb and J? Nah. Mac and Cheese. Nope. Chicken and Waffles? Well... still no. <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/beer-sale">Come check out our beers on sale this week.</a> From Founders All-Day IPA, Bell&#39;s Two Hearted and All Indiana City 4 packs we have a great selection of canned beers perfect for your Labor Day partys.<br /><br /><strong>Perfect Cookout Wines</strong> - These wines are the perfect companion for your Labor Day Cookout. Whether you&#39;re the one grilling or the one playing backyard games, these wines are sure to delight you and your friends this holiday weekend. <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine-sale">Check out our hand selected wines here.</a><br />&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><!-- HTML Spacer row --><td height="10" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="96%"><tbody><tr><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;">&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="catalog" style="margin-left:12.5%" width="84%"><!-- Table for catalog --><tbody><tr><td><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="responsive-table" style="margin: 10px 0px 10px 0px;" width="48%"><!-- Table container for each image and description in catalog --><tbody><tr><td><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveImage" width="66%"><!-- Table container for image --><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="padding:10px 3px 10px 3px;"><img alt="sample" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/orig/c978eaa2-c50b-4039-aa6a-6d9b216791e2/08_29_highland_journey.jpg" style="width: 175px;" /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveContent" width="66%"><!-- Table container for content --><tbody><tr><td><p style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; color: #929292; padding: 5px 0px 0px 10px;line-height: 1.5em; font-family: sans-serif;">HIGHLAND JOURNEY Blended Scotch&nbsp;</p><p style="background-color:#AAAAAA; text-align:center; padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px; margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px;color: #FFFFFF; font-family: sans-serif; "><a href="https://kahnsfinewines.securemp.com/spirits/whiskey/blended-scotch-whiskey/highland-journey-92-4-pr/mpsfi/ddb0f298-7761-4ccb-837c-b5dba0721a7b" style="text-decoration:none">SHOP</a></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="responsive-table" style="margin: 10px 0px 10px 0px;" width="48%"><!-- Table container for each image and description in catalog --><tbody><tr><td><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveImage" width="66%"><!-- Table container for image --><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="padding:10px 3px 10px 3px;"><img alt="sample" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/orig/f19c05f5-a4a8-4e00-8ae1-162a5126680a/08_29_suavacito.jpg" style="width: 205px;" /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveContent" width="66%"><!-- Table container for content --><tbody><tr><td><p style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; color: #929292; padding: 5px 0px 0px 10px;line-height: 1.5em; font-family: sans-serif;">SUAVECITO TEQUILA - All Varieties</p><p style="background-color:#AAAAAA; text-align:center; padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px; margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px;color: #FFFFFF; font-family: sans-serif; "><a href="#" style="text-decoration:none">SHOP</a></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="responsive-table" style="margin: 10px 0px 10px 0px;" width="48%"><!-- Table container for each image and description in catalog --><tbody><tr><td><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveImage" width="66%"><!-- Table container for image --><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="padding:10px 3px 10px 3px;"><img alt="sample" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/orig/6304e084-e666-4d47-993a-025212a68195/08_29_hunt_club_vodka.jpg" style="width: 175px;" /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveContent" width="66%"><!-- Table container for content --><tbody><tr><td><p style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; color: #929292; padding: 5px 0px 0px 10px;line-height: 1.5em; font-family: sans-serif;">HUNT CLUB<br />VODKA</p><p style="background-color:#AAAAAA; text-align:center; padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px; margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px;color: #FFFFFF; font-family: sans-serif;"><a href="#" style="text-decoration:none">SHOP</a></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="responsive-table" style="margin: 10px 0px 10px 0px;" width="48%"><!-- Table container for each image and description in catalog --><tbody><tr><td><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveImage" width="66%"><!-- Table container for image --><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="padding:10px 3px 10px 3px;"><img alt="sample" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/orig/ec8f518d-a836-4f18-b587-3748e93f7a00/08_29_donq_rum.jpg" style="width: 205px;" /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table.responsiveContent" width="66%"><!-- Table container for content --><tbody><tr><td><p style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; color: #929292; padding: 5px 0px 0px 10px;line-height: 1.5em; font-family: sans-serif;">DON Q RUM<br />All Varieties</p><p style="background-color:#AAAAAA; text-align:center; padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px; margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px;color: #FFFFFF; font-family: sans-serif;"><a href="#" style="text-decoration:none">Read More</a></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><!-- HTML spacer row --><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="96%"><tbody><tr><td height="20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;">&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p> (Kahn's Fine Wines)Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:48:00 GMTMother's Day Drinkshttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/mother-s-day-drinks
<p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>MIMOSAS</strong></span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgb(250, 250, 250); color: rgb(45, 45, 45); font-family: &quot;Source Sans Pro&quot;, Arial; font-size: 14.2222px;">A traditional brunch beverage that is perfect for Mother&#39;s Day. As simple as it is delicious, all you really need is your favorite champagne and some orange juice.</span><a href="http://app.kahnsfinewines.com/Search.aspx?q=prosper%20maufoux" style="font-family: &quot;Source Sans Pro&quot;, Arial; font-size: 14.2222px;" target="_blank"> Our Prosper Maufoux is currently on sale!</a></p><p><span style="font-family: &quot;Source Sans Pro&quot;, Arial; font-size: 14.2222px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Mix three parts of your favorite champagne to one part of your favorite orange juice. Enjoy!</span></p><p><img alt="" height="432" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/c71e2d63-b341-4b05-9ae0-e14713622255/mimosas.jpg" style="width:647px;height:432px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="647" /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p><div style="border-top: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px 0 6px;">&nbsp;</div><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>BOURBON - SPIKED ICE TEA</strong></span></p><p>There are as many variations on this drink as your heart desires, but our favorite is Spiked Ice Tea with Bourbon. Using your mom&#39;s iced tea recipe as your starting point and your favorite bourbon and you&#39;re on your way to a delicious and refreshing drink.</p><p><img alt="" height="432" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/4b206261-278b-4204-9a10-a526f6167280/beverage-1851261_960_720.jpg" style="width:647px;height:432px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="647" /></p><p class="recipe-title" style="margin: 0px; font-size: 1.15em; font-weight: 700; color: rgb(82, 82, 82); font-family: proxima_nova, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Ingredients</p><ul style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; list-style: none; color: rgb(82, 82, 82); font-family: proxima_nova, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><li style="padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px;"><ul style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; list-style: none;"><li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="font-size: 13.5px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px;">4 family-sized tea bags (or 12 regular tea bags)</li><li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="font-size: 13.5px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px;">1 &frac12; cups sugar</li><li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="font-size: 13.5px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px;">Pinch baking soda</li><li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="font-size: 13.5px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px;">1 lemon, sliced</li><li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="font-size: 13.5px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px;">1 1/2 cups bourbon<a href="http" target="_blank"> (Knob Creek 9 yr Kahn&#39;s Barrel)</a></li><li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="font-size: 13.5px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px;">Ice</li><li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="font-size: 13.5px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px;"><p class="recipe-title" style="margin: 0px; font-size: 1.15em; font-weight: 700;">Preparation</p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="font-size:14px;">In a saucepan, cover the tea bags with water, about 2 &frac12; cups and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and squeeze.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="font-size:14px;">In a large pitcher, combine the sugar and baking soda with 1 cup of cool water. Pour in the hot tea and stir to dissolve the sugar. Fill the pitcher with 12 -13 more cups of water.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="font-size:14px;">In a glass filled with ice add 2 ounces of bourbon, fill with sweet tea.</span></p><div style="border-top: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px 0 6px;">&nbsp;</div></li></ul></li></ul><p style="font-size: 13.5px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px;margin: 1em 0px;"><strong><span style="font-size:16px;">BOMBAY SAPPHIRE MARTINI</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The most iconic of gin cocktails, a Dry Martini. It is the perfect way to savor all the aroma and flavors of Bombay Sapphire and elevate your Mother&#39;s Day gathering. <a href="http" target="_blank">Our Bombay Sapphire is on sale this week.</a></span></p><p style="font-size: 13.5px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px;margin: 1em 0px;"><img align="right" alt="" height="400" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/7ab4d8c5-3854-46b5-bc01-0399d57d0ce9/bombay_martini.jpg" style="width:266px;height:400px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="266" /><span style="font-size: 1.15em; font-weight: 700; font-family: arial, san-serif;">Ingredients</span></p><p style="font-size: 13.5px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial, san-serif;">Lemon Twist</span></p><ul style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; list-style: none;"><li style="font-size: 13.5px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial, san-serif;">3/4 part Martini &amp; Rossi Dry Vermouth</span></li></ul><ul style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; list-style: none;"><li style="font-size: 13.5px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial, san-serif; font-size: 14px;">2 parts Bombay Sapphire Gin</span></li><li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="font-size: 13.5px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</li><li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px;"><p class="recipe-title" style="font-size: 1.15em; margin: 0px; font-weight: 700;">Preparation</p><p style="margin: 1em 0px;">1. Chill coupe or Martini glass in the freezer or with 4 ice cubes and a splash of club soda<br /><br />2. Build the contents of the cocktail in a mixing glass with ice.<br /><br />3. Stir well for 45 seconds and serve into the chilled coupe or Martini glass<br />4. Garnish with lemon twist.</p></li></ul><ul style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; list-style: none;"><li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px;"><p style="margin: 1em 0px;">&nbsp;</p></li></ul> (Kahn's Fine Wines & Spirits)Wed, 09 May 2018 14:01:00 GMTThe Perfect Margaritahttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/the-perfect-margarita
The Perfect Margarita recipe. Follow these easy directions for a delicious margarita that will surely be a crowd-pleaser. (Kahn's Fine Wines)Fri, 04 May 2018 16:22:00 GMTRye Mint Julephttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/rye-mint-julep
With Kentucky Derby coming up, besides looking the best, you want to drink the best. Here's how to make a Rye Mint Julep... a spin on the traditional mint julep. (Kahn's Fine Wines)Thu, 03 May 2018 19:23:00 GMTNew Beer Line- Lord Hobo Brewing!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/new-beer-line-lord-hobo-brewing
New brewery available for purchase in Indiana. Lord Hobo Brewing Company! (Dan Harper)Fri, 15 Sep 2017 22:25:00 GMTFall Sangriashttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/fall-sangrias
<p><img alt="" height="650" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/a1bba6d8-0c50-48b5-8ec6-37397d62c007/fall-sangria-article-page-001.jpg" style="width:502px;height:650px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="502" /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Alisha Roberts)Wed, 28 Sep 2016 14:49:00 GMTAmazing Solution for Corked Winehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/amazing-solution-for-corked-wine
<p align="center">We found this article in Tip Hero although the original was in the Los Angeles Times. &nbsp;It is a must read for anybody who has ever opened a bottle of wine and discovered it is corked. &nbsp;In all honesty, we haven&#39;t had a chance to test it yet, but we find in absolutely fascinating and will surely try it on the next corked bottle.</p><p align="center"><strong>TCA&hellip;Say it &ldquo;Taint&rdquo; so!</strong></p><p>Tell me if you&rsquo;ve had this problem. You buy a special bottle of wine &ndash; maybe you even spend a little bit more than you normally would &ndash; but when you get it home, it&rsquo;s&nbsp;<em>terrible</em>. It smells like old gym socks, and the taste&mdash; ugh, let&rsquo;s not even talk about the taste. It&rsquo;s called &ldquo;cork taint,&rdquo; and it&rsquo;s tragic. What&rsquo;s a disappointed wine drinker to do except pour the bottle down the drain and grab some water instead? Well, how about trying this solution from the&nbsp;<a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2007/mar/28/food/fo-wineside28" target="blank"><em>Los Angeles Times</em></a>&nbsp;that promises to restore the wine to its intended glory? It works, it&rsquo;s easier than you think, and it involves an unexpected tool: Saran Wrap! Yes, Saran Wrap, or any other polyethylene plastic wrap.</p><p><strong>The Method</strong></p><p style="margin-left:26.25pt;">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ball up some of the plastic wrap and place it in the bottom of pitcher.</p><p style="margin-left:26.25pt;">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pour the wine into the pitcher over the plastic wrap.</p><p style="margin-left:26.25pt;">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Swirl the wine around the pitcher for 5 to 10 minutes, making sure that all of the wine is exposed to the plastic wrap. The more tainted the wine tastes, the longer it needs to be exposed to the plastic wrap.</p><p style="margin-left:26.25pt;">4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Repeat steps 1 to 3 for especially stubborn cases.</p><p style="margin-left:26.25pt;">5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do a small taste test. If the taint is gone, decant the wine and enjoy! Be sure to throw that plastic wrap away.</p><p><img alt="" height="125" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/2abc731d-a738-4677-942c-27be7e94bd50/saranwrapwine.jpg" style="width:167px;height:125px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="167" /></p><p><span style="color: rgb(101, 102, 98); font-family: Arial; text-transform: uppercase;">Why It Works</span></p><p>Cork taint occurs because of a mold that can be found in the porous material of corks. This mold reacts with the chlorine-based cleaning compounds used to decontaminate most corks, which then produces a lot of trichloranisole, or TCA. TCA is what gives the wine that terrible, old-gym-sock smell and taste. The polyethylene present in most plastic wraps absorbs TCA the same way a sponge absorbs water, making plastic wrap the perfect solution to soak up the offending substances and save our wine!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Genius! Now THIS kind of chemistry I enjoy. Have you ever run into &ldquo;cork taint&rdquo; before? What did you do? Do you think you&rsquo;ll give this method a try? &nbsp;</em><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>paul@kahnsfinewines.com (Paul Thistle)Wed, 23 Sep 2015 17:06:00 GMTThe Language of Winehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/the-language-of-wine
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">The article below is courtesy of Karen MacNeil in <em>The Tasting Panel</em>, November 2014. These are great ideas and thoughts about describing wine and why it&#39;s so difficult. No one&#39;s palate is the same, and no one&#39;s past experiences that can be used to describe wine are exactly the same. What do you think? What are your thoughts of Ms. MacNeil&#39;s ideas?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>&quot;You Know What It Tastes Like...But You Just Can&#39;t Say It&quot;</strong></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;&nbsp; The intersection between taste and language is muddily complex. As we&#39;ve all experienced, ten people tasting the same wine will come up with ten different descriptions. <em>This wine smells like puppy&#39;s breath...It&#39;s like the musty aroma of old women sitting in wooden church pews...The lacy negligee character is mind-blowing. </em>(All of these are actual quotes. The single wine in question was a Pinot Noir).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;&nbsp; So what&#39;s going on here? Why is taste so hard to pin down? And so hard to agree on? Moreover, why do we so often have the feeling that while we know exactly what we think of wine--long a topic of scientific pursuit--has always been hampered by one simplest fact: There is no accurate, reliable language to describe wine.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Interestingly, language does describe other things quite well. Linguists point out, for example, that we do have fairly accurate words to describe shape, size, color and spatial relationships. If I say that in front of me there&#39;s a blue square plate six inches by six inches, and on it is sitting a scoop of lemon sherbet about two inches in diameter and that one inch from the sherbet are three small 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch cubes of pineapple, you can easily and accurately visualize the dessert even if you never actually see it.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;&nbsp; But wine? It&#39;s another story. That&#39;s because wine is not its own inherent languate and food is. To say that a strawberry tastes strawberry-ish is sufficient. But, for most of us, to say that a Verdejo tastes like a Verdejo isn&#39;t exactly helpful.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Faced with the lack of a universal, well-understood language to describe wine flavor, it&#39;s not surprisingly that wine and beverage pros invented their own. Metaphor is king. A wine can be like almost anything from a cathedral to a cowboy boot. Of course, you might find some descriptions a bit over-the-top (it&#39;s a precocious little wine and its femininity is alluring...). But the truth is that these creative, if idiosyncratic, attempts to describe wine do carry some meaning that can orient the taster. Most people for example, know what&#39;s meant when a wine is described as soft. Describing the wine as &quot;soft as flannel pajamas&quot; is just going one step further in the attempt to talk to each other about a beverage we love.</span></p> (Will Barnhart)Mon, 09 Mar 2015 16:04:00 GMTIf You Like This, Drink That #2: Beer Editionhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/if-you-like-this-drink-that-2-beer-edition
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">If you read last week&#39;s blog, you&#39;ll remember that this is a new series meant to be educational and help inform the novice drinker to discover products they may not yet have tried but just might grow to love. Of course, I&#39;d like to think these tips can apply to anyone, no matter how much knowledge you have. I find myself learning something new everyday when it comes to the beverage industry! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><img align="left" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/45d054b3-c7e1-4fe3-99b7-a7f855980c04/sunlight.jpg" style="width:80px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="80" />Since we discussed wine last week, I&#39;d like to focus on beer for this round. For the first beer edition of &quot;If You Like This, Drink That&quot; I think it would only be appropriate to discuss the most popular beers in America, namely beers such as Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, and Coors Light. The brewing industry refers to this style of beers as &quot;American Adjunct Lagers&quot; or &quot;American Light Lagers.&quot; These are light bodied, pale, fizzy lagers<img align="right" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/ea0d376a-197f-4ca0-ba96-df1640e6019a/sweet-action.jpg" style="width:83px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="83" /> made popular by large American breweries after prohibition. They feature low bitterness, thin malts, and moderate alcohol. To mass-produce these beers, they are typically made with cost-cutting adjunct cereal grains, like rice and corn. The light versions of these lagers feature even more of these adjunct grains, leading to an even lighter body.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">So, suppose you&#39;ve consumed and enjoyed these beers for years but are curious of the current surge in the popularity of craft beer and are interested in trying something new. Don&#39;t worry, we&#39;ve got plenty of suggestions to help you advance your taste buds in the right direction!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><img align="left" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/e4ef7f5d-ba64-4810-8606-b03e3095cb44/weihenstephaner.jpg" style="width:53px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="53" />A good start for the new craft beer drinker might be a Cream Ale. Cream Ales, spawned from the American light lager style, are brewed as an ale though are sometimes finished with a lager yeast or lager beer mixed in. These beers feature a pale straw to pale gold color. They are typically light bodied and have a low hop character and some malty sweetness. A couple of good examples are Sun King Sunlight Cream Ale and Sixpoint<img align="right" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/d8c8f285-f385-4ddf-9eca-91eadc9655ec/hofbrau.jpg" style="width:52px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="52" /> Sweet Action.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Another style that might appeal is the Munich Helles Lager. This style is similar to the Pilsner, but while Pilsners feature a spicy hop character, Munich Helles Lagers are a bit more malty and in balance with the hops featured in Pilsners. While I love Pilsners, they might have just a bit too much hop bitterness for someone coming straight from light lagers. My top two picks for this style are Weihenstephaner Original and Hofbrau Original.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">As always, feel free to stop by the store and pick up a pack of these awesome beers, and we&#39;d be happy to make even more suggestions for great new beers to try!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Cheers!</span></p> (Will Barnhart)Sat, 28 Feb 2015 14:31:00 GMTIf You Like This, Drink That #1http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/if-you-like-this-drink-that-1
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">This is the first in what we intend to be a recurring series designed to inform the novice drinker, and to help progress your journey to becoming a &quot;Kahnoisseur.&quot; We will discuss wine, spirits, and beer and provide recommendations for your next step on the path to beverage enlightenment. If you&#39;re nervous to try something new or just stuck in a rut, we&#39;ll guide you in the right direction!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">In this first edition, I will discuss what to drink if you like Moscato. I&#39;ve found that Moscato drinkers can be timid about trying new things, and for good reason. There are WAY more dry wines out there than sweet wines and if you know you don&#39;t like dry wines at all, it can be scary to take a risk that you may buy a bottle you won&#39;t even want to finish once you open it.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">If you like wines made from the Moscato grape (or Muscat depending on where it&#39;s grown), there&#39;s a good chance that you will like some (but probably not all) Rieslings. Riesling is a versatile grape that can be made into wine that runs the full gamut of super sweet to bone dry, so you&#39;ll want to consult with your friendly Kahn&#39;s staff to find one that will work for your palate. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">German winemakers utilize a handy scale called the &quot;Pr&auml;dikat&quot; system to determine the ripeness of their grapes at harvest, which can be a good indicator of the sweetness level. However, what the winemaker does after the harvest can significantly affect the finished product. The main designations are as follows:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Kabinett:</strong> These are fully ripened light wines from the main harvest, typically semi-sweet with crisp acidity, but can be dry if designated so.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Sp&auml;tlese</strong>: These are typically semi-sweet, often (but not always) sweeter and fruitier than Kabinett. The grapes are picked at least 7 days after normal harvest, so they are riper. Sp&auml;tlese can be a relatively full-bodied dry wine if designated so. While Sp&auml;tlese literally means late harves, the wine is not as sweet as a ndessert wine, as the &quot;late harvest&quot; term is often used in American wines.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Auslese:</strong> These wines are made from very ripe, hand selected bunches, typically semi-sweet or sweet. Sometimes Auslese is also made into a powerful dry wine. Auslese is the Pr&auml;dikat which covers the widest range of wine styles, since it can be made into a dessert wine or a very dry wine.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Since these Rieslings can very drastically depending on what the winemaker chooses to do with the harvest, I like to remember this great mnemonic device: &quot;High and Dry, Sweet and Low.&quot; This refers to the alcohol content of the wine in comparison with the sweetness. If the alcohol content is relatively high (14% for Auslese, 12.5% Sp&auml;tlese, or 11% for for Kabinett)<strong> </strong>then the wine will be dry. If the alcohol content is low, it will generally have more sweetness. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Therefore, fans of Moscato will want to start with a Sp&auml;tlese or Auslese in the 8-9% range. Here are a few recommendations:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img align="right" alt="" height="250" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/364fac1a-d3a2-4a72-adfe-2e16adc1570a/schlink-haus-auslese.jpg" style="width:60px;height:250px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="60" />Schlink Haus Sp&auml;tlese</strong> (9%): A delightfully fruity, yet harmoniously balanced wine made of fully ripened grapes. This late-harvested wine features rich and ripe fruit flavors with a light sweetness. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Schlink Haus Auslese</strong> (8%): Harvested from select, very ripe bunches of grapes at the peak of maturity. This is a luxurious, sweet, and full bodied wine with a fragrant, noble, and fruity aroma. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="" height="250" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/4a20f1b4-5f39-48c2-8e6c-a94e4ce6cbcd/stchris_lg.jpg" style="width:125px;height:250px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="125" />St. Christopher Piesporter Michelsberg Sp&auml;tlese</strong>&nbsp; (7.5%): This wine has a floral aroma, with lots of apple and peach fruit flavors. A very balanced wine. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>St. Christopher Piesporter Michelsberg Auslese</strong> (8.5%): A wonderfully enjoyable sweet wine loaded with attractive peachy fruit. Pineapple and citrus notes keep the sweetness in check, with enough acidity to give it character.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Remember, wine is all about having fun! Don&#39;t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Find what you like but don&#39;t be satisfied in just drinking that one thing. Continue to evolve and you just might find you enjoy something you&#39;d never imagine you would have before!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Cheers!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Will Barnhart)Mon, 16 Feb 2015 13:50:00 GMTValentine's Day Gift Ideashttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/valentine-s-day-gift-ideas
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Valentine&#39;s Day is less than a week away, and you probably haven&#39;t even thought about what to get that special someone yet! Well, let us offer some delicious suggestions for your sweetie. We have plenty of great options to show just how much you love him or her!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">To start, we have a few Gift Baskets that we have specially designed to celebrate Valentine&#39;s Day:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="" height="140" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/0d2a5a69-851d-4e24-81fd-f985d339b5ee/gift-basket-moet.png" style="width:150px;height:140px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="150" /></strong></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Moet! &quot;I Love You&quot;:</strong> This basket is perfect for that special someone. We started with a bottle of Moet Imperial and paired it with Pirouline wafers, biscotti, a wedge of brie and other treats. The basket even includes Champagne flutes!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img align="right" alt="" height="140" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/056a716f-1e6e-4b95-8a38-a1a263ef4fec/gift-basket-sweet-bubbles.png" style="width:142px;height:140px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="142" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Sweet Bubbles to Share: </strong>Sweet Red Brachetto, two glasses and lots of treats make this a perfect basket to share with your favorite &ldquo;sweetie&rdquo;. Cookies, chocolate, crackers, sweets, cheese and nuts&hellip;everything you need for a perfectly sweet celebration of love.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img align="left" alt="" height="140" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/18221fd0-06f3-4818-8254-3320abd8e230/gift-basket-pop.png" style="width:147px;height:140px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="147" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Put a Little &quot;POP&quot; in your Valentine&#39;s Day: </strong>With this lovely basket featuring two small bottles of Pommery Pink POP Champagne.&nbsp; Enjoy your POPs with lots of tasty tidbits sure to make a memorable Valentine surprise.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img align="right" alt="" height="140" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/760a58d6-00b7-4ed1-a858-c3542d591129/gift-basket-bliss.png" style="width:154px;height:140px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="154" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Share the Bliss!: </strong>Bliss Pinot Noir! The perfect wine to pair with a basket full of nibbles for you and your&nbsp; valentine.&nbsp; It features elegant flavors of dried cherries and cola on silky smooth tannins. Wow!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">As if these goodies aren&#39;t enough we are also having a HUGE SALE on our massive selection of Dry Ros&eacute;s. We have approximately 15 wines to choose from, and they are all Buy One Get One for Half Price! These wines are perfect for Valentine&#39;s Day several reasons. First of all, they&#39;re PINK! Secondly, they are great and versatile food wines with tons of berry and cherry fruit flavors and enough crisp acidity to pair with nearly any meal. Stop by Kahn&#39;s and check out these awesome wines while they are still at an unbelievable price!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" height="216" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/25e9e9a2-0100-44b2-9898-2bfb892e97c7/rose-selection.jpg" style="width:625px;height:216px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="625" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">For even more great ideas for your special someone, visit Kahn&#39;s and chat with our knowledgeable and friendly staff!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Cheers,<br />Will</span><br />&nbsp;</p><p><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Will Barnhart)Mon, 09 Feb 2015 13:35:00 GMTRecap: Zinfandel Smackdownhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/recap-zinfandel-smackdown
<p>We&#39;d like to thank everyone who came out this past Thursday for our second edition of the Smackdown Wine Tasting, this time featuring the Zinfandel grape. We had a great turnout (close to 40 people!) watch six of our vendors battle it out with some awesome Zins!</p><p>If you haven&#39;t taken part in one of our Smackdowns before, we feature three rounds of tastings, reflecting three price categories: $15, $25, and $35. Six vendors get two minutes each to make their case for why their wine is the best in each category. Then, everyone tasting gets a chance to vote for their favorites! We declare the top 3 wines in each category, then at the end of the night we announce the overall top 3 and the Smackdown Champion!</p><p>The vendors that participated this time were April (Monarch), John (Republic National), Charlene (Glazer&#39;s), Mike (Southern Wine &amp; Spirits), Dave (World of Wines), and Todd (Freemarket). Here are the results:</p><p><strong>$15 Zinfandels</strong></p><p>#1: Ravenswood Sonoma Zinfandel 2012 (RNDC)<br /><br />#2: Zinphomaniac Old Vines 2012 (Southern)</p><p>#3 Peachy Canyon Incredible Red 2012 (Freemarket)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>$25 Zinfandels</strong></p><p>#1 Peachy Canyon Westside Zinfandel 2012 (Freemarket)</p><p>#2 Midnight Cellars Paso Robles Estate Zinfandel 2010 (World of Wines)</p><p>#3 Ridge East Bench Zinfandel 2012 (Glazer&#39;s)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>$35 Zinfandels</strong></p><p>#1 Ferrari Carano Sonoma Zinfandel 2011 (Southern)</p><p>#2 Peachy Canyon Especial Zinfandel 2011 (Freemarket)</p><p>#3(t) Carol Shelton &quot;Rocky Reserve&quot; Zinfandel 2010 (World of Wines)</p><p>#3(t) Cline &quot;Big Break&quot; Zinfandel 2012 (Monarch)</p><p>#3(t) Ravenswood Teldeschi Zinfandel 2012 (RNDC)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Overall Standings</strong></p><p>#1-Todd (Freemarket)</p><p>#2-Dave (World of Wines)</p><p>#3-Mike (Southern)</p><p><br />Congrats to our winners, and we look forward to seeing all of you again for our Cabernet Smackdown in May. Will Todd be able to defend his title once again? Look for details to come soon!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Will Barnhart)Fri, 30 Jan 2015 18:12:00 GMTKahn's Staff Ratingshttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/kahn-s-staff-ratings
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Over the past few months you may have noticed more frequently in our advertising as well as in-store signage, ratings on certain wines labeled &quot;Kahn&#39;s Staff Value Ratings.&quot; You may be wondering what exactly these mean. Sure, you&#39;re probably familiar with ratings from big publications like Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, and many others. I&#39;ve heard lots of questions since we&#39;ve been promoting these scores: &quot;How do you rate the wines?&quot;, &quot;What does this score really mean?&quot;, &quot;Is this a valid rating or just a marketing gimmick to sell more wine?&quot; Well, I&#39;d like to clear up exactly what we mean by these scores.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">What makes us qualified to bestow such ratings on the wines we sell? To start, our staff gets the opportunity to taste <em>almost all</em> of the wines we sell before we bring them into the store. In large part, this actually determines most of the wines we decide to carry. We&#39;ve been rating wines for this purpose as long as any of us can remember, and recently thought that it would be a great reference for our customers as well. Unlike the wine publications we aren&#39;t only rating wine simply on the characteristics of the wine itself, but also on it&#39;s retail price, thinking of quality vs. value. This is very beneficial because a 94-point wine that costs $49.99 does not have the same perceived value that a 94-point wine that costs $19.99. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Here is what our actual voting sheet looks like:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" height="302" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/0f219951-6665-41c5-94ae-252cd0aaf351/staff-voting-sheet-new-100-pt-scale.jpg" style="width:651px;height:302px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="651" /><br /><span style="font-size:14px;">As you can see, our rating system is broken down into four tiers that really deal with how we believe our customers will feel about the wine and the manner in which they will want to purchase it. The first tier (0-84 points) means we think the product is inferior and would not feel right to send it home with you. The next tier, (85-89 points) indicates that we think this is a solid wine and&nbsp; you will enjoy it but probably won&#39;t be interested in purchasing it again. The next category (90-94 points) is really the meat of our business. This tier is for wines that we believe our customers will think are really good and will want to buy again on a regular basis. And finally the final level (95-100 points) is reserved for wines that we think you&#39;ll try and love and will make you want to come back and buy a case! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">As an example, a few items that have recently had an impressive response are the wines of Domaine de Fontvive, a winery in the Rhone region of France. These five wines all scored remarkably well. The C&ocirc;tes du Ventoux received 94 points at $12.99, the C&ocirc;tes du Rhone was 96 points at $13.99, the Sablet was 97 points at $18.99, the Vacqueyras was 92 points at $22.99, and the Gigondas was 95 points at $26.99. As you can see based on our scale above, we believe this winery puts out some incredible wines!</span></p><p><img alt="" height="424" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/0e99dc8c-a68d-496b-aab9-a3aef169b10d/fontvive.jpg" style="width:630px;height:424px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="630" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">But these aren&#39;t the only wines we think you&#39;ll love. Stop by Kahn&#39;s and look for our &quot;Kahn&#39;s Staff Value Ratings&quot; to find your next bottle wine and maybe you&#39;ll love it so much you&#39;ll want to buy it again and again!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Cheers!</span><br />&nbsp;</p> (Will Barnhart)Sat, 24 Jan 2015 13:57:00 GMTBeer Lovers and Wine Lovers: One and the Same?http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/beer-lovers-and-wine-lovers-one-and-the-same
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">It is a battle that has waged for centuries: wine vs. beer. Both wine and beer have helped shape agriculture and frankly, modern civilization as we know it. Once barley was able to be manipulated and planted in droves, small settlements began to pop up across Europe. At the same time, grapes were planted across the countrysides of Italy and France. Beer and wine were both safe to drink at times when water was not. They were both demonized during prohibition, yet survived. Despite walking hand in hand with each other throughout human history the two have been pitted against each other in the modern era.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Beer Geeks. Wine Snobs. Neither of those terms are generally positive and as you can tell, neither group gave that name to themselves. It was long thought that beer was the beverage of the working class while wine was the beverage of the upper class and royalty. Luckily for all of us these stereotypes no longer exist and both beverages are available to more and more people every day. The truth is that wine aficionados and craft beer enthusiasts are actually more similar than most people think.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><img align="right" alt="" height="300" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/a3627e5a-c4d9-4245-bda1-db611fb3655f/120-minute-750ml.jpg" style="width:165px;height:300px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="165" /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Let&rsquo;s start with cellaring, or aging. While aging and cellaring bottles has traditionally been something better suited for wine, aging beer has picked up a lot of steam in the last decade. The world&rsquo;s most prestigious Chateaus recommend that their wines are best consumed some ten, twenty years down the road. Trying a great vintage ten years after its release can be a real treat. It is always an enjoyable experience sampling vintage bottles of wine. From the beer perspective the aging potential is left with the consumer and many have started cellaring bottles themselves. Many people age sours, Belgians, Imperial Stouts, and Barleywines for years. A barrel aged beer can change dramatically over time. Experimenting with different vintages makes the hobby of collecting that much more rewarding<em>. </em>For example, here is a bottle of a 2003 vintage Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA I recently tasted. With over 10 years of cellaring, it tastes completely different than the current vintage release!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Proper glassware is also very important to both wine and beer lovers and having a collection of glassware is key. I have a collection of some sixty to seventy different beer glasses myself, in every shape and size that you can imagine. As Riedel has shown us, there is a glass almost for every grape varietal as well. Aromatics are incredibly important in the drinking experience regardless of the <img align="left" alt="" height="187" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/53a8b978-5ad3-4062-8589-5ab8969a5a4f/ba-dark-lords-1-.jpg" style="width:300px;height:187px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="300" />beverage of choice. A Pinot Noir glass will better showcase the ripe fruit of Carneros or the red brick of Burgundy. A Chardonnay glass can better capture the oaky nose from Russian River or the bright, clean orchard fruits of Chablis. A Bordeaux glass can contain the masculine tannins of your favorite appellation. The same can be said for beer. A nice German pilsner should be consumed out of a tall, open glass to better showcase the crisp and refreshing flavors. An IPA or Pale Ale should be consumed from a snifter, a glass which best showcases the aromatics of the hops. A stout is also best served in a snifter, allowing you to pick up the chocolate or roasted malts that make the beer so big. Snifters like the ones pictured with these Three Floyds&#39; Barrel Aged Dark Lord Stouts work perfectly. All of these aforementioned glasses make sure that you and your company get the beer or wine at its best.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/b3d7fe61-d875-4847-a13a-78e40d253064/diamond-in-the-rough-1-.jpg" style="width:640px;height:480px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="640" /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>Kahn&#39;s Wine Customers enjoying a tasting in the store</em></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Tastings are a key component of the drinking experience as well. Wine and beer bring us together. They are social primers and can often shape our experiences. Just look at the hundreds of smiling faces at the Indianapolis Wine Fest or the hundreds of people who attend the Indiana Microbrewers Fest. What can make a 92 point wine even better? Good company. There is no finer experience than sharing a few special bottles with friends during dinner, meeting a group of friends at a festival, or hosting a private tasting in your home. So, the next time that you&rsquo;re going to open that special bottle make sure you invite a few friends over to share in your enjoyment. And remember, there are probably other wine or craft beer enthusiasts on the other side of town doing the same thing. Cheers!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Al Asher)Thu, 15 Jan 2015 13:54:00 GMTFitou & Corbières: Showcasing the Carignan Grapehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/fitou-corbieres
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">You may have noticed a few new wines in the store from regions you might not be too familiar with. We recently receieved some awesome wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of Southern France. Two appellations that we&#39;re currently featuring are Corbi&egrave;res and Fitou. These regions in the Western Languedoc are known for being arguably the best place on the planet for the Carignan grape.</span><img alt="" height="462" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/09a40f47-c0dc-4eb1-951e-68a31020cfb1/languedoc-rousillon-map.jpg" style="width:651px;height:462px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="651" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">You&#39;ve probably heard of Carignan (sometimes &quot;Carignane&quot;). It is often used as a blending grape, but in these two regions, it is the star of the show. In fact, Fitou requires its wines to be a minimum 40% Carignan. These wines are also blended with Grenache, Mourv&egrave;dre, and Syrah. For years, Carignan has gotten a bad reputation. It can be rather high in tannins and acidity, and is definitely more funky than its Languedoc counterparts, so the other varietals get added to help mellow it out a bit. But when made well, Carignan can be delightful. Typically featuring a deep purple color, Carignan is rustic and has a dry, herbal spiciness. Red fruits can be present, but not as prominent as what you would find in Grenache. One of the best aspects of Carignan is that it almost always has a long, lingering finish. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Here at Kahn&#39;s, we have some excellent wines from Corbi&egrave;res and Fitou that beautifully showcase what can be done with the Carignan grape when it is well-made. Here are a five great options:</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><img align="right" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/a9b9cb10-301c-4a98-9d68-465d8b16145f/arse.jpg" style="width:49px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="49" /><strong>Chateau d&#39;Arse Fitou 2012</strong></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">This wine is dark in color with purple hues. The nose is fresh with aromas of red fruit and then pepper, and even some hints of licorice. Excellent tannins as well as marvelously complex flavors. Perfectly balanced with an explosion of aromas and flavors.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Chateau de Cascastel &quot;Cuv&eacute;e Exception&quot; Fitou 2012</span></strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">A dark ruby red colour with a complex bouquet of red and spicy fruits. Full-bodied with rounded tannins. Ideal accompaniment for roasted or grilled meats.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><img align="left" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/33f03fea-afdd-410c-9d60-7a0ccd142b25/fitou-vv.jpg" style="width:49px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="49" /><strong>Chateau de Cascastel &quot;Selection Vieilles Vignes&quot; Fitou 2012</strong></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">The nose has hints of garrigue as well as grilled notes followed by aromas of red fruits and spices. The mouth is full, fleshy, and concentrated with a remarkable aromatic range. The woody taste is very well integrated and brings to this wine elegance and an intense length.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Chateau de Cascastel &quot;Heritage de Bonnafous&quot; Corbi&egrave;res 2012</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">Complex with hints of vanilla and spices, well ripened fruits and a subtle truffle note. This complexity is confirmed in the palate with a racy and elegant taste. Round and wide velvet tannins highlight its length and freshness.<img align="right" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/1df0dce5-fe75-4c25-b61c-d05304f75557/caumont.jpg" style="width:52px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="52" /></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Chateau du Grand Caumont Corbi&egrave;res&nbsp; 2011</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">Fresh picked berry notes mixed with a wild flowers and brittle dried herbs, all with a light to medium weight and perfectly balancing tannins. Not as much juicy as it is savory and floral, this is a wine that is suited for nearly anything in a warm satisfying braise, grilled or roasted.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Wines comprised of large percentages of Carignan, like the ones from Corbi&egrave;res and Fitou, pair wonderfully with more rustic dishes like Cassoulet and other hearty stews, sausages like Chorizo or Andouille, lamb roasts, Morrocan dishes, and gamier meats like duck or rabbit. Carignan also works beautifully with anything grilled...think grilled pork chops rubbed with black pepper and herbs, or even a nice fatty steak!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Stop by Kahn&#39;s and pick up a bottle of one of these fantastic wines and see what you&#39;ve been missing when Carignan is the star! Cheers!</span></p> (Will Barnhart)Mon, 05 Jan 2015 18:16:00 GMTWhat to Drink on New Year's Evehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/what-to-drink-on-new-year-s-eve
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:12px;">We&#39;re only a couple of days away from the New Year, and you may just now be realizing you need to stock up for your parties and get-togethers, or maybe you just need something simple to toast at midnight with your loved ones. If you&#39;re like a lot of people, Champagne and other Sparkling Wines can be intimidating, but Kahn&#39;s is here to help!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:12px;">You might be asking yourself, &quot;What should I drink on New Year&#39;s Eve?&quot; The short answer, of course, is drink what you like! That might be Beer, Vodka, Whiskey, or Red Wine, but for most people New Year&#39;s=Bubbly, so that&#39;s what we&#39;ll discuss here.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img align="left" alt="" height="160" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/f9c84d47-9e12-448d-8f11-3807410aba49/segura.jpg" style="width:43px;height:160px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="43" /><img align="right" alt="" height="160" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/aaf8328b-1ad3-45f1-9c2a-c6814e6f950c/mionetto.jpg" style="width:46px;height:160px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="46" />As you may know, Champagne can get pricey but there are plenty of great options for sparkling wines in every price range. Cava, which is a sparkling wine made in Spain, can a great inexpensive option. These wines are made in the Chapenoise Method, meaning they are made in the same way that Champagnes are made. One of our best sellers is the Segura Viudas line ($7.99), which consists of a Brut (dry), Extra Dry (slightly sweeter), and Brut Ros&eacute;.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that can also be quite affordable. They are typically dry, fruity, and lighter in body. A nice option is the Mionetto Prosecco ($10.99). On a side note, Proseccos are also perfect for use in Bellinis and Mimosas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img align="left" alt="" height="160" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/6438c7c1-40a2-4027-b4bc-cfa1849d93d8/ricossa.jpg" style="width:42px;height:160px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="42" /><img align="right" alt="" height="160" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/7d9216ac-9484-4c02-85dc-d8cd7d3335b6/fizz.jpg" style="width:42px;height:160px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="42" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you prefer something on the sweeter side, a Moscato d&#39;Asti is an outstainding choice. While not as bubbly as a traditional sparkling wine, these sweet wines from the Piedmont region of Italy tend to have a slight effervescence, along with flavors of apricots, peaches honey. One of the best ones at Kahn&#39;s is the Ricossa Moscato d&#39;Asti ($12.99).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Two nice sparklers with bit more sweetness are M. Lawrence&#39;s &quot;Fizz&quot; and &quot;Indy&quot; Demi-Sec ($10.99). These wines are made in Michigan and are great options for Moscato drinkers who want something bubbly!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img align="left" alt="" height="150" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/e692adea-fe23-4b42-8cc9-04369ade27b3/j-cuvee-20.jpg" style="width:45px;height:150px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="45" /><img align="right" alt="" height="150" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/8052daaf-323a-4624-b0f7-68a3e6027bca/piper-sonoma.jpg" style="width:42px;height:150px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="42" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sparkling wines from California are a great way to get an outstanding wine for a reasonable price. Many Champagne houses like Mumm and Roederer even manage properties in California and make wines the same way they do in France. A couple of Kahn&#39;s favorites are J Winery&#39;s Cuvee 20 Brut ($21.99), a delicious and complex wine with notes of citrus fruits. Another tremendous value is Piper Sonoma Blanc de Blancs ($10.99), a dry and crisp bubbly made from Chardonnay that features intricate flavors of lemons, limes, tangerines and honey, with a rich yeastiness.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img align="left" alt="" height="160" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/c6e115b9-5743-49ed-914a-db5b09311740/moet.jpg" style="width:46px;height:160px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="46" /><img align="right" alt="" height="160" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/b49ab99b-ee68-4b83-8519-e50054e935fa/bollinger.jpg" style="width:49px;height:160px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="49" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Of course, the gold standard for sparkling wines is Champagne. These wines can only be made in a specific region of France, but their fame has extended so far that their name has become a generic term referring to all sparkling wines. Chapagnes are made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. A few superb bubblies that would be great options for your festivities include Bernard Remy Carte Blanche Brut ($32.99), Mo&euml;t &amp; Chandon Imperial Brut ($33.99), Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut ($39.99), and Bollinger Special Cuv&eacute;e ($59.99). If you want to impress your friends with a big name, Mo&euml;t and Veuve Clicquot are the #1 and #2 selling brands of Champagnes in the world, respectively, and are both crowd-pleasers.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img align="left" alt="" height="160" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/d74c3ee7-ff68-42ea-ad60-4d4aeb940052/krug.jpg" style="width:51px;height:160px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="51" /><img align="right" alt="" height="160" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/b189fea7-ab65-49a9-a6cf-efc8407b1527/ace-of-spades.jpg" style="width:48px;height:160px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="48" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you&#39;re looking to go all out for New Year&#39;s (or for any occasion), a couple of the most exquisite Champagnes available are Krug Grand Cuv&eacute;e ($136.99) and Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Brut ($239.99). Krug is one of the most unique Champagnes on the market because it blends approximately 120 single vineyard Champagnes from Krug&#39;s properties that range from at least 10 vintages to as many as 15. Ace of Spades is one of the most sought after Champagnes in the world whose popularity has grown exponentially in the last decade due to its prominence in the hip-hop industry. In fact, rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z loved this Champagne so much that he bought the winery earlier this year!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Of course, these are simply starting points. As I noted earlier, the best thing to drink is what you like. So, stop by Kahn&#39;s and pick up a few bottles of bubbly for New Year&#39;s Eve and see what you like best!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Cheers and Happy New Year,</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Will</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Will Barnhart)Mon, 29 Dec 2014 15:21:00 GMTLast Minute Gift Ideashttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/last-minute-gift-ideas
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Surely I&#39;m not the only person out there that still hasn&#39;t finished their Holiday shopping. If you&#39;re like me, there are certain people for whom you just never know what to what to buy. Fortunately, you can never go wrong with some great wine and spirits, and Kahn&#39;s has plenty of great options to choose from!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img align="left" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/5482fa70-e2f8-47ae-9b72-156ed684affa/silver-oak.jpg" style="width:83px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="83" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">For the wine lover, we have lots of great &quot;Collector&quot; Cabernets from California. A few options include the 2010 Trinchero Mario&#39;s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.99), 2009 Stonestreet Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon ($39.99), 2010 Lancaster Cabernet Sauvignon ($59.99), 2010 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages ($54.99), and 2009 Silver Oak Napa Cabernet Sauvignon ($119.99).</span><img align="right" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/ebc7ce60-0e81-470a-ae0d-c578d145f650/plince.jpg" style="width:83px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="83" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">If you&#39;d prefer more of an Old World style wine, we have hundreds of great Bordeaux and Burgundies<span style="font-size:14px;"> in a variety of price ranges to suit your taste. </span>One of our more popular wines is the 2009 Chateau Plince from Pomerol ($38.99). </span><img align="left" alt="" height="183" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/d811cdf2-8d9d-4daa-b814-371b8ea4117b/veuve-clicquot.jpg" style="width:275px;height:183px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="275" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">Champagne also makes a great gift, and the coolest gift package out this year is the Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut ($39.99) which is currently sold in these awesome yellow mailboxes!</span><img align="right" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/67facb7d-64a9-4799-bced-0173e95a761f/blantons.jpg" style="width:104px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="104" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">For the whiskey lover, Blanton&#39;s Single Barrel Bourbon ($57.99) and our 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Kahn&#39;s Selected Single Barrel ($22.99) are great choices. Scotch drinkers might enjoy a gift set from Glenmorangie featuring four 100ml Single Malt Scotches ($34.99), or one of the unique and interesting whiskies from Balvenie including the 21 Year Portwood ($199.99), 12 Year Single Barrel ($75.99), 14 Year Caribbean Cask ($69.99), or 12 Year Doublewood ($59.99).&nbsp; </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><img align="left" alt="" height="200" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/274736a8-67fd-4459-adf7-d05b14946e35/glenmorangie.jpg" style="width:233px;height:200px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="233" /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Last but not least, an outstanding gift idea is the Coravin Wine Access System. The is undoubtedly the most exciting wine accessory to come along in the last 30-plus years! It allows you to sample or pour a glass of wine from your cellar without evening opening the bottle, making it possible to see how your wines are aging while keeping them perfectly preserved.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><img align="right" alt="" height="165" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/166910d9-0804-4f1d-8355-9b4a756b712d/coravin-montrachet.jpg" style="width:250px;height:165px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="250" /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;">These are just a few of the wonderful gifts we can suggest for the beverage lover in your life. Stop by our Superstore on Keystone Avenue in Indianapolis for even more great gift ideas! </span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">Happy Holidays!</span><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Will Barnhart)Mon, 22 Dec 2014 18:05:00 GMTDo Vintages Matter?http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/do-vintages-matter
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>We&#39;d like to share this interesting article entitled &quot;Do Vintages Matter?&quot; by Karen MacNeil in the SOMM Journal. Here in the store, we get a lot of questions and talk quite a bit about vintages everyday. How important are they really? I think Karen&#39;s opinions offer some good insight. What do you think?</em></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: monospace; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 14.8828px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; display: inline ! important; float: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">For years I had one crumpled up in my wallet. The trusty vintage chart. I don&#39;t think I ever used it, but it made me feel better having it. A sign that I was a serious wine person.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: monospace; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 14.8828px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; display: inline ! important; float: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Then one day (about 20 years ago), I found myself talking to the wine importer Kermit Lynch about a Burgundy he had brought in. &quot;Was this a good vintage?&quot; I asked, holding up the bottle from one of the stacks in his Berkely store.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: monospace; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 14.8828px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; display: inline ! important; float: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">&nbsp; </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: monospace; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 14.8828px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; display: inline ! important; float: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">&quot;Good for what?&quot; he asked back. &quot;Good for oysters? Good for cheese? Good for a dinner party? Good for sex?&quot;</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: monospace; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 14.8828px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; display: inline ! important; float: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">I smiled and sometime thereafter threw out the crumbled vintage chart forever. In the years since, I&#39;ve watched many restaurant situations where the waiter comes back to the table explaining that the restaurant is out of the 2009 Wine XYZ, but has the 2010. Every now and then, someone whips out a phone and promptly does a Google search. But mostly people say, &quot;Okay, let&#39;s give it a try.&quot; I&#39;d say our relationship to vintages is maturing. And I, for one, am glad.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: monospace; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 14.8828px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; display: inline ! important; float: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Consider the reason behind giving wines vintage dates to begin with. Originally, vintages were given in order to give the buyer a date to count from. Knowing the vintage, told you how old the wine was, and that was valuable information at a time when storage conditions were iffy. A vintage date also let the drinker connect back in time. Want to re-live a bit of 2000? Here, have a glass of this. Historically, vintages had to be accepted for what they were. Some were okay, some were quite good, most were somewhere in between. People drank all of them.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: monospace; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 14.8828px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; display: inline ! important; float: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">In the last thirty plus years, however, the picture has changed. Both wine-making technology and viticultural science have advanced to such a degree that talented winemakers can sometimes turn out delicious wines even when nature is working against them. This is not to say that wines taste the same every year; they clearly do not. But given the knowledge, skill, and access to technology winemakers now have, vintage differences are often differences of character. In a hot year, many wines will be packed with bigger fruit flavors. In a cool year, they will be more austere, and perhaps more refined. Are any of these qualities terrible?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: monospace; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 14.8828px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; display: inline ! important; float: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">There is another issue: Vintages are generally categorized by the media once - when the new wine is tasted in the spring following the harvest. Wine, however, changes over time. There are countless examples of vintages deemed magnificent at first, only to be later declared not as good as originally thought, and vice versa. Why memorize a static assessment when the wine itself changes?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: monospace; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 14.8828px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; display: inline ! important; float: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">In the end, I think of vintage as a mood of a wine. If I like a wine, I like it when it is extroverted and rich, as well as when it is introverted and perhaps more elegant. And that is why I like vintages - not because they tell me good from bad, but because, in invoking mood, they evoke our emotional response.</span></span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: monospace; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 14.8827896118164px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" /><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> ()Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:10:00 GMTSingle Malt Scotch vs Blended Scotchhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/single-malt-scotch-vs-blended-scotch
<p><img alt="" height="848" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/47551bb3-656d-44c4-879c-6125fc204be2/single-malts-vs-blended-scotch.jpg" style="width:651px;height:848px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px" title="" width="651" /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (John Mercer)Thu, 13 Nov 2014 01:55:00 GMTFootball Beershttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/football-beers
<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:28px;"><strong><span style="color:#84002f;">Football and Beer: A Match Made in Heaven!</span></strong></span></h1><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Fall is in full force so that means that many of us are spending our Saturday and Sunday afternoons either at our Alma Maters or tailgating downtown for a Colts game. Every weekend the same question arises, &ldquo;What should I take to the tailgate?&rdquo; Luckily, here at Kahn&#39;s, we&rsquo;ve got you covered.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:16px;">The two main questions you should ask yourself are: &ldquo;What is the alcohol content?&rdquo; and &ldquo;Are glass bottles allowed where I&rsquo;m tailgating?&rdquo; The lower the alcohol content, the longer you can fully enjoy your football festivities. For tailgating I would generally recommend something 5.5% or below. As a reference point, Bud Light is 4.2%, whereas most IPAs clock in around 7%. A lot of tailgate areas won&rsquo;t allow glass so cans typically work best for tailgating. At Kahn&rsquo;s we have over forty great American made craft beer options that are available in cans and many others that are imported.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img align="right" alt="" height="140" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/af841140-0552-4667-8038-5ee507fb0cd9/sidekick-2.jpg" style="width:70px;height:140px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="70" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:16px;">I&rsquo;m typically a hop head myself when I tailgate so my beer of choice is Two Brothers Sidekick Pale Ale. At 5.1% abv and only 36 IBUs this hoppy, lightly grassy pale ale normally serves as a great &ldquo;lawnmower beer&rdquo; and won&rsquo;t get you in trouble. Other great hoppy options include Founders All Day IPA, Epic Road to Colorado IPA, Oskar Blues Dale&rsquo;s Pale Ale and Arcadia Sky High Rye Pale Ale.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><img align="left" alt="" height="152" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/aff869a0-8744-4f34-b99d-5fa64523c820/wee-mac2.jpg" style="width:70px;height:152px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="70" />If hops aren&rsquo;t your thing, Chapman&rsquo;s Englishman Brown Ale, Great Crescent Coconut Porter, and Sun King Wee Mac are all great local, malty options. If you are a wheat beer fanatic you can go with Upland Wheat, Cutters Monon Wheat, or Goose Island 312. If you seek a crisp lager for a crisp autumn day, you can opt for Sixpoint The Crisp, Oskar Blues Mama&rsquo;s Little Yella Pils, or Stiegl Goldbrau. Sun King&rsquo;s Sunlight Cream will also fit the bill. If you are a traditionalist, most English style pub cans are also lower in alcohol content, typically 5.2% or below. Beers like Boddingtons, Belhaven Scottish Ale, Guinness, Young&rsquo;s Double Chocolate Stout, and Old Speckled Hen are all great options.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img align="right" alt="" height="140" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/54ddbc3b-b6d2-4e38-a37e-233f88b0bb46/oskarblues2.jpg" style="width:70px;height:140px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="70" /></p><div>&nbsp;</div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Not a beer drinker? Hard cider is also very popular during the fall and a great option for tailgating. There are many canned ciders, including Woodchuck Amber, Crispin Original, Crispin Brownslane (a dry cider),&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 16px;">and&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 16px;">Smith &amp; Forge. These definite</span><span style="font-size: 16px;">ly operate well as a nice change of pace.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:16px;">We hope these ideas help with your tailgating adventures this football season. Enjoy the game, and enjoy the beer!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Cheers,</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Al</span></p> (Al Asher)Mon, 13 Oct 2014 14:30:00 GMTWine of Month Clubhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/wine-of-month-club
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color:#84002f;"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Did you know Kahn&#39;s has a Wine of the Month Club?</strong></span></span></em></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:12px;">Yes, we do...And it&#39;s one of the best gift ideas in Indianapolis! It&#39;s also great for yourself if you never know exactly which wine to pick!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:12px;">Throughout the year we taste thousands of wines from all over the world. It&rsquo;s our job to canvas the hidden nooks and crannies of all wine producing countries in our search&nbsp; for high quality, tiny production wines from the best producers. We pick only the wines we know will excite your palate and expand your interest and knowledge in wine. Every month we&#39;ll choose special bottles of wine with you in mind!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:12px;">Your Wine Club selections will be accompanied by tasting notes, food recommendations, and winery information. You will also have the opportunity to purchase additional quantities of Wine Club selections at a&nbsp;<strong>10% Discount all month&nbsp;</strong>following the arrival of your wine.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#84002f;"><strong>Kahn&#39;s has three different Wine of the Month Clubs</strong></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#84002f;"><strong>to fit your interest level, taste, and budget!</strong></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong style="color: rgb(21, 51, 95); font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial; text-transform: uppercase;">&ldquo;COLLECTOR&rdquo; CLUB</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Every month you&rsquo;ll receive two or three bottles of incredible new releases tasted and approved by the Kahn&rsquo;s staff, but that are also wines that received <strong>&ldquo;90+ RATINGS&rdquo;</strong> from <em>The Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, or Wine Enthusiast</em>.&nbsp; These wines are ones you&rsquo;ll be proud to share with friends or cellar.</p><h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>&ldquo;90+&rdquo; CLUB</strong></span></span></h3><p style="text-align: justify;">Every month you will receive a box of three to four of our Reds and Whites, rated 90+ points that are selected by Kahn&rsquo;s tasting panel and judged to be proven as outstanding, highly rated wines.&nbsp; <em>Many wines you can only get in Indy at KAHN&rsquo;S!</em></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>&ldquo;TASTERS&rdquo; CLUB</strong></span></span></h3><p style="text-align: justify;">Every month you will receive one bottle of red wine and one bottle of white, including rare wines of very high quality and small production wines specially chosen by KAHN&rsquo;S staff &amp; rated 95+.&nbsp; <em>You may opt for all red or all white.</em></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color:#84002f;"><span style="font-size:12px;"><em>To join or for more info: Call Kahn&#39;s at (317) 251-9463, stop in our store at 5341 N. Keystone Ave., or <a href="http://app.kahnsfinewines.com/Search.aspx?q=wine%20club" target="_blank">click here</a>.</em></span></span></strong></p><p><br />&nbsp;</p> (Will Barnhart)Thu, 09 Oct 2014 15:53:00 GMTWhat is Armagnac?http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/what-is-armagnac
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:24px;"><span style="color:#84002f;"><em><strong>What is Armagnac?</strong></em></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:24px;"><span style="color:#84002f;"><em><strong>(And why don&rsquo;t more people know how awesome it is?)</strong></em></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img align="" alt="" height="432" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/db774999-49e4-481d-9ec5-691debf2bd2d/armagnac.jpg" style="width:640px;height:432px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="640" /><br />&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:12px;">Seriously, why don&#39;t more people realize <em>just how good</em> Armagnac is?! In 2012, about 177 million bottles of cognac were sold worldwide, while Armagnac managed to chalk up only around 6 million, with only about 125,000 of them sold here in the United States (as compared to 48 million bottles of cognac).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;">Armagnac, much like its cousin, Cognac, is a spirit whose name is as much tied to place as it is to the brandy produced there. To understand what makes this product so unique and interesting, let&rsquo;s first explore the differences between Armagnac and the more heavily-marketed Cognac.</span></p><p>Both Cognac and Armagnac are brandies made from grapes. While several different grapes are permitted for Cognac, 98% is made with Ugni Blanc. Armagnac is typically a blend of four grapes: Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Colombard, and Baco. The distinct blend is left to the discretion of the distiller.&nbsp;<span style="font-size:12px;">Cognac is produced in the town of Cognac, near the Atlantic Ocean and just north of Bordeaux, where the climate is cool and the soil is chalky. &nbsp;Armagnac is produced in the region of Gascony, in the southwest of France, at the foothills of the Pyrenees, where climate is more Mediterranean and considerably warmer. The soil in this region tends to be more sandy.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;">The major distinguishing characteristic that defines the difference between Armagnac and Cognac lies in exactly how they are produced. Cognac is distilled two times in double copper pot stills, and then aged in oak casks. Armagnac, however, is only distilled once in a column still and then aged in oak, typically for a longer period than Cognac. </span></p><p>But what you really care about is flavor, right? While the second Cognac distillation helps to soften and mellow the distillate, it also removes some of the fruit characteristics. Because of the grapes used in Armagnac, and the single distillation, it tends to show more prominent fruit, especially orange, plum, quince, and apricot. Cognac&#39;s fruit tends to be lighter (pears and oranges) and more floral. The reaction that Armagnac has with oak produces notes of vanilla, caramel, toffee, and maple syrup. Cognac tends to receive less impact from the wood, though some spice does come through. Because of this, Armagnac has more robust, assertive, even decadent style, while Cognac is softer and more balanced. Think of it like Rye Whiskey vs. Bourbon. That said, both styles are wonderful, and for me, the preference depends solely on my mood.&nbsp;</p><p>The best way to find what you like is to drink! Stop by Kahn&#39;s and pick up a bottle of Armagnac; we have several great options to choose from. A few of my favorites are pictured at the top of this article. Who knows...Armagnac might just be your new favorite beverage you never knew existed!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Cheers!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p> (Will Barnhart)Mon, 07 Jul 2014 14:46:00 GMTTop 10 Summer Cocktailshttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/top-10-summer-cocktails
<p><img align="" alt="" height="780" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/b2e4309b-d993-4e9c-9173-ba7b1e4c8b61/top-10-summer-cocktails_page_1.jpg" style="width:651px;height:780px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="651" /><br /><br /><img align="" alt="" height="611" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/cf4deaca-0002-487f-a0b2-9f8fb635959c/top-10-summer-cocktails_page_2.jpg" style="width:651px;height:611px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="651" /></p> (Will Barnhart)Sat, 21 Jun 2014 18:15:00 GMTMother's Day Gift Ideashttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/mother-s-day-gift-ideas
<p><img align="" alt="" height="843" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/1d35fd9a-6be3-4dd2-969d-4354b76a24ba/mother-s-day-blog_page_1.jpg" style="width:651px;height:843px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="651" /><br /><img align="" alt="" height="1129" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/7216c7dc-d83a-4a71-8cbd-10d73569ec90/mother-s-day-blog_page_2.jpg" style="width:651px;height:1129px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="651" /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Will Barnhart)Tue, 06 May 2014 19:50:00 GMTBattle of Belgium Bracket Challenge Winners!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-bracket-challenge-winners
<p><span class="userContent" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;K&quot;}">Announcing the winners of this years Battle of Belgium bracket challenge!<br /><br />First Place - Ellen Schremp<br />Second Place - Robert Estes<br />Third Place - David Pasotti<br /><br />Please swing by Kahn&#39;s Keystone location to pick up your prizes! Thank you to everyone for competing.</span><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Sun, 16 Mar 2014 00:09:00 GMTBattle of Belgium Day 3 - It was Terrible!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-day-3-it-was-terrible
<p>The final rounds of Battle of Belgium proved terrible beer to be the best beer of all.</p><p>Yes, you heard that correctly.&nbsp; The new crowned King of Belgian beer is Unibroue Terrible!</p><p>Here&#39;s how it happened:</p><p>Amidst the sparkle of St. Patty&#39;s day green glitter our tasters gathered.&nbsp; The field was set with the final 8, prepared to go head to head in the hardest face-off of them all.</p><p>The Battle sweetheart, Leffe Brune, was cut down brutally in a landslide vote against Schlafly Quadrupel.&nbsp; Belgian strong ales from Unibroue, Don de Dieu and Terrible,&nbsp; also advanced forward against their competitiors, Boulevard Long Strange and Brooklyn Local 2.&nbsp;</p><p>As a matter of fate, this reviewer feels like she should mention that while Don de Dieu won it&#39;s round with little opposition, our grand champion Terrible moved forward against Strange by the whim of a single vote.&nbsp; Had that vote gone the other way, the entire competition would have ended very differently.</p><p>Our most final finalist, staff favorite to win this competition, also moved forward into the final 4 with little opposition.&nbsp; Gouden Carolus gracefully assumed its place in the final 4 against Delirium Tremens in a landslide vote.</p><p>But even after all that none of the contestants had a chance to rest for a moment.&nbsp; While votes were tabulated and another stirring Beerocracy round went on across the arena, the battle was reset.&nbsp; Judges and brews immediately resumed their places for the final round.&nbsp; SUDDEN DEATH!</p><p>It was a contest between some of the strongest beers of the competion, with abv&#39;s ranging as high as 11%!</p><p>Again the battle was close, and after much deliberation, the winner was clear.&nbsp;</p><p>Runner up with no votes: Oddly enough, Unibroue Don de Dieu</p><p>Third Place: Schlafly Quadrupel</p><p>Second Place: Gouden Carolus Grand Cru of the Emperor Brune</p><p>and the Final winner, the most brutal of them all:</p><p>UNIBROUE TERRIBLE!</p><p>There you have it beer lovers!</p><p>Thank you to all our sponsors, and everyone who partipated in this event.&nbsp; We&#39;d like to thank our fans, the beer drinkers, who&#39;ve supported us all the way.&nbsp; Stay tuned, same station, for our next beer tasting event coming up in April....</p><p>Kahn&#39;s Drink the Funk, the sourest funkiest tasting of them all.!</p><p>Cheers, and Happy St. Patty&#39;s Day!</p><p>-Lu Miller</p><p><img align="" alt="" height="0" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/3ec82f13-4df3-4d72-a0b4-2177f0e8e18a/2014-battle-of-belgium-blank-bracket.jpg" style="width:0px;height:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="0" /></p><p><img align="" alt="" height="504" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/d18b9ef8-e050-4e38-b4a9-e641d313953a/2014-battle-of-belgium-blank-bracket.jpg" style="width:651px;height:504px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="651" /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Sat, 15 Mar 2014 23:48:00 GMTWho's Ahead in the Bracket Challengehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/who-s-ahead-in-the-bracket-challenge
<p>The Bracket Challenge Top 3 Standing So Far:</p><div class="mbs _5pbx userContent" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;K&quot;}"><p>Congrats to our top 3 Bracket Challenge Contendors!</p><p>We have Ellen Schremp in 1st place, with only 1 mistake on tonight&#39;s line up.</p><p>Currently tied for 2nd and 3rd we have Robert Estes and David Pasotti.</p><p>Good luck to you all with the tasting tomorrow!&nbsp; May the best beer geek win!</p></div><p><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Sat, 15 Mar 2014 02:41:00 GMTBattle of Belgium Night 2 - Update Boogaloohttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-night-2-update-boogaloo
<p>The Battle of Belgium Sweet Sixteen tonight was even more riveting than the night before.&nbsp; 2 tie breakers were no surprise to this reviewer this round, as every pairing she witnessed went hit for hit.&nbsp; There were no landslide votes tonight.&nbsp; It was a true competition, our tasting crowd and their tastebuds in the hot seat.</p><p>Even though things were close, there are still a few #1 seed beers entering the top 8 tomorrow that should be no surprise to past attendees.&nbsp; Don de Dieu and Leffe Brune will be vying for a position in the top 4, beating out Goose Island Sofie and La Chouffe respectively.&nbsp; Surprisingly enough, it was not a sure thing for Leffe Brune tonight.&nbsp;</p><p>It was the first of 2 deciding tie-breakers that had to occur tonight in order to have a clear winner for the competition.&nbsp; The second also involving a Goose Island beer, with Pere Jacques riding neck and neck with the Gouden Carolus Grand Cru of the Emperor. In both cases, the tide turned away from Goose Island, with Gouden Carolus also emerging triumphant from the final vote.</p><p><img align="" alt="" height="504" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/a23a81fd-c776-4c78-9213-e514470856a7/2014-battle-of-belgium-blank-bracket.jpg" style="width:651px;height:504px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="651" /></p><p>The middle seeds became even more competitive.&nbsp; As we saw them go head to head tonight, it could have been any brew&rsquo;s game.&nbsp; Bottom seeds like Unibroue Terrible, Boulevard Long Strange, and Local 2 all enter the top 8 by the skin of their bottle cages.&nbsp; The one exception is the battle between Schlafly Quadrupel and competitor Three Philosophers.&nbsp; Schlafly crushed the beer from Ommegang with a vengeance.&nbsp; It was no contest.</p><p>The last beer continuing forward won in what had to have been the most shocking overturn tonight.&nbsp; Delirium Tremens, a #5 seed, beating out #1 seed Rochefort 10 in the match up tonight.&nbsp; This light, phenolic wonder put the brass in brasserie tonight.&nbsp; A big bet, for those who voted it forward on the bracket challenge, but one that paid off, as it slid forward by a mere 3 votes.</p><p>And there you have it, the top 8!</p><p>Look for my next blog post, or check out our Twitter and Facebook pages, to find out how the leaderboard is looking for the bracket challenge going into tomorrow.&nbsp; And high fives all around to everyone who has participated in the event so far.</p><p>And remember to rest up, drink plenty of water, and start doing your reps early tomorrow morning.&nbsp; The last 2 rounds are tomorrow at 6pm sharp at our Keystone location, shape the fate of these beers, decide who will stand, and who will ffall.</p><p>Cheers,</p><p>Lu Miller</p><p>&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Sat, 15 Mar 2014 02:30:00 GMTBattle of Belgium Night 1 - The Updatehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-night-1-the-update
<p>What a night!</p><p>Battle of Belgium 2014 was unlike any event we&rsquo;ve ever had before!&nbsp; While a quiet crowd, the event was as fiercely competitive as ever, with as many upsets and triumphs as you have come to expect in years past.</p><p>The final match-ups with seeding were revealed tonight.&nbsp; This year&rsquo;s tasting completely revolutionizing the event.&nbsp;&nbsp; Not only were the beers and seeding completely secret beforehand, but the beers were served at 100% cellar temperature, which turned the game for several beers.</p><p>First let&rsquo;s take a look at our 1 and 8 match-ups.&nbsp; A 50-50 toss up between 4 pairings and 8 beers, 2 were close, and 2 were decided by a landslide vote!&nbsp; In a huge upset Unibroue Terrible did it&rsquo;s worst, and beat out St. Bernardus Abt 12, with Leffe Brune sitting pretty in its usual spot at the top, in another landslide match.&nbsp; Don de Dieu and Rochefort moved forward as expected, but after a surprising struggle, both squeaking by with only 3 additional votes.</p><p>Second seeds are up next, with a 2 surprise upstart, seed 7 Brooklyn Local 2 (new to the game) beating out a seasoned veteran in Rochefort 8, and Gouden Carolus Grand Cru of the Emperor Brune beating out Chimay Blue.&nbsp; The other two moving forward are less of a surprise, Three Philosophers beating out Brooklyn Local 1, and Long Strange (sadly, in this comentater&rsquo;s mind) beating out North Coast&rsquo;s Brother Thelonius.</p><p><img align="" alt="" height="504" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/a49d7802-90d2-426e-947a-3d680eb38efe/2014-battle-of-belgium-blank-bracket.jpg" style="width:651px;height:504px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="651" /></p><p>We had a few usurpers enter the game when it came to the 3 vs 6 seeds.&nbsp; Belgian IPA&rsquo;s busted their way in to the game, Le Freak making it weird, and Cali-Belgique trying to prove their place in a world without hops. Unfortunately, it was definitely the end for Cali-Belgique when it met it&rsquo;s match in La Fin du Monde, and the traditional Belgian-style quadrupel from Schlafly beat down Le Freak, in all it&rsquo;s hybrid-weirdness.</p><p>The most competitive game was on, not unsurprisingly, when the middle seeds went head to head.&nbsp; Style on style action got heated as saison on saison and tripel on tripel action powerhoused Goose Island Sofie and Chimay White up for wins against Tank 7 and Westmalle Tripel.&nbsp; Although not quiet as riveting a battle, La Chouffe won out over De Struise Pannepeut in the end, as did Delirium Tremens over Chimay red, joining seasoned veterans as well as youthful faced hopefuls in top 16 for round 2 tomorrow night.</p><p>We&rsquo;ll see you at Keystone again tomorrow night Battle fans, for Round 2 of the Tasting and Round 2 of the Beerocracy raffles (that&rsquo;s right, PLURAL!)&nbsp; JOIN US!&nbsp; We&rsquo;ll see you there, brackets in hand, glasses at the ready, and ready to drink one (or two , or three, or four , or as many as you have to!) for the team!</p><p><br />Now go rest up for round 2 you kids, high fives and butt slaps all around!<br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Fri, 14 Mar 2014 01:41:00 GMTWin Prizes! Bracket Challenge Updates for Battle of Belgiumhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/win-prizes-bracket-challenge-updates-for-battle-of-belgium
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Battle of Belgium update!:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:24px;">Everyone gets an extra day to turn in completed brackets, and be eligible to win awesome beer prizes!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;">We realize the bracket challenge this year is a little confusing (and extra challenging).&nbsp; The new format this year is kinda weird. &nbsp;<br /><br />That&#39;s why everyone now gets an extra day!<br /><br />After the top 16 (and the seeds) are announced tomorrow night you&#39;ll have until <strong>4pm Friday</strong> to turn in your bracket at either store.<br /><br />Place your best guesses on who will make it to the top 8 and top 4.&nbsp;<strong> We&#39;ll only award scores for the last 2 rounds, and whoever gets the most right gets the most points and wins!</strong><br /><br />Pick up your blank bracket tomorrow night at round 1, or at either store.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Win great prizes like these:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img align="" alt="" height="480" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/cd2afbf7-e749-4f0d-aa33-419902730814/bob-goodies.jpg" style="width:640px;height:480px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="640" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Plus a free Beerocracy Pick, or K-Club membership for those who aren&#39;t already signed up!</span></p> (Lu Miller)Wed, 12 Mar 2014 15:05:00 GMTBattle of Belgium Beerocracy!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-beerocracy
<p><br /><img align="" alt="" height="1992" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/8ee61e31-edea-4794-b0f0-21bc65312b79/beerocracy-blog-post.jpg" style="width:651px;height:1992px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="651" /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Sat, 08 Mar 2014 20:50:00 GMTBattle of Belgium 2014 Info and Blank Bracketshttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-2014-info-and-blank-brackets
<p><span style="font-size:18px;">A</span>ttention to all Mavens of Malt, all Lords and Ladies of Lambic, and all Sultans of Saccharomyces!&nbsp; We kindly request the presence of your finely tuned, discriminating palate at the 4<sup>rd</sup> annual Battle of Belgium, a 3 day, 32 beer, single elimination blind taste-off that will result in the crowning of 2014&rsquo;s King of Belgian Beer!&nbsp; Last year&rsquo;s winner, Unibroue Don de Dieu, defends its crown in a competition with a completely new twist, a *completely* blind first bracket!&nbsp; That&rsquo;s right, we won&rsquo;t reveal the seeds until round 1 has ended.&nbsp; Come join us for the Battle of Belgium and vote the best beer to the top!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>And don&rsquo;t forget the bracket challenge, details and a blank bracket to fill out are below. &nbsp;Blank brackets and event info is also available at all 3 Kahn&#39;s locations. &nbsp;Completed brackets can be turned in at any store, <strong>but must be turned in by</strong> <strong>4pm March 13<sup>th</sup></strong> in order to be eligible to win prizes.&nbsp; Winning sheets will be tabulated each night, with nightly updates of player standings, and prizes will be awarded March 15<sup>th</sup> after the final beer has been crowned victor!</p><p align="center">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>Battle of Belgium Dates &amp; Times</strong></p><p align="center">March 13-15<sup>th</sup> from 6-8 pm, Kahn&rsquo;s Keystone, 5241 N. Keystone Ave.</p><p style="margin-left:1.0in;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:1in;"><strong>The Tastings:</strong>&nbsp; Initial matchups are based on seeding, but this year the twist is that seeding will be totally secret until round 2!&nbsp; All match-ups will be tasted blind, customers vote for their favorite beer, and the beer with the most votes advances to the next round.&nbsp; In the event of a tie, a Kahn&rsquo;s staff member will serve as the tie-breaker.&nbsp;&nbsp; At the end of each day, brown bags will be removed and the beers will be revealed. In the event of a tie in the <em>final round</em>, the winner will be the beer with the greatest number of votes throughout the tournament. <strong>There will be Beerocracy drawings at the end of every Battle of Belgium round!</strong></p><p style="margin-left:1in;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:1in;"><strong>The Rounds:</strong> &nbsp; Round 1 is March 13<sup>th</sup>.&nbsp; Results will post that night, and the next 16 beers that advance to round 2 go head to head March 14<sup>th</sup>.&nbsp; The final two rounds will be conducted on Saturday, March 15<sup>th</sup>.&nbsp; 8 beers will fight it out in Round 3 from 6-7 pm, we will quickly tally the winners and then Round 4 will pit the last 4 beers head to head from 7-8pm.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The Battle of Belgium Bracket Challenge:</strong></p><p style="margin-left:1in;">&nbsp;</p><p>The Battle of Belgium Bracket Challenge is your chance to prove that you are the true Baron of Brew. The overall winner will receive the official noble beer title of Baron(ness) of Brew, a ton of bragging rights and an outstanding prize that will include an Any-Time Beerocracy pick (if the winner is a K Klub member) and a K Klub membership if the winner is not a member.&nbsp; <strong>Prizes will be awarded for the top three brackets. </strong></p><p style="margin-left:1in;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:1in;"><strong>How to Play:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; First, pick up a bracket at any Kahn&rsquo;s location.&nbsp; Fill out your Battle of Belgium bracket by selecting the beers you think will advance and eventually win.&nbsp; We&rsquo;re making it a little trickier this year by keeping the seeding completely blind before the first round.&nbsp; We have provided the list of the beers. Each player will have to decide how to seed the beers and place them in brackets.&nbsp; <strong>Brackets must be turned in by March 13th at 4:00 at any Kahn&rsquo;s location. </strong>Points are awarded for each correct pick and will be scored in the following way: &nbsp;Round 1 = 1pt, Round 2 = 2pts, Round 3 = 4pts, Round 4 = 16 pts. <em>Follow Kahn&rsquo;s on Facebook (Kahns Fine Wines) and Twitter @ Beer_at_Kahns for round by round updates.</em></p><p align="center" style="margin-left:1in;"><strong>Questions? Call 317-251-9463 or 317-632-9463</strong></p><p><img align="" alt="" height="843" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/c3bca683-971c-403d-b197-d9c711f50fc1/2014-battle-of-belgium-blank-bracket.jpg" style="width:651px;height:843px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="651" /></p> (Lu Miller)Wed, 26 Feb 2014 19:36:00 GMTBeers for the Battlehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/beers-for-the-battle
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:12px;">The Battle of Belgium is only a few weeks away! &nbsp;If you have any questions about the line-up, here are the beers that are going head to head in 2014.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p><p><img align="" alt="" height="1533" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/793ac5ca-2512-4dbb-bd6f-e9a811f12774/bob-prices-descriptions-for-web.jpg" style="width:651px;height:1533px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="651" /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Wed, 26 Feb 2014 18:39:00 GMTRating Beerhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/rating-beer
<p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;">How did my beer get this rating?</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;">Or &ndash; Kahn&rsquo;s Quick reference guide to how taste and rate beer</span></p><p>Peer review websites and educational resources like Ratebeer.com and Beeradvocate.com have played a huge part in recent years in the craft beer community.&nbsp; We&rsquo;re even planning events like our 90+ Tasting tonight based on them.</p><p>If you haven&rsquo;t done it before, here is everything you need to know about how to taste and rate beer.&nbsp; You won&rsquo;t be a Cicerone after you read it, but this should help any craft beer novices have a better understand of how beer is reviewed, and how to really <em>taste</em> a beer the next time you drink one.</p><p>Before we get started, there&rsquo;s something VERY IMPORTANT every beer drinker should know!</p><p>Before you drink <em>any</em> beer, but especially before you judge it, make sure that you&rsquo;re drinking it in a completely clean glass.&nbsp; You also want to make sure the beer is the right temperature.&nbsp; When I say the right temperature, I don&rsquo;t mean you have to drink it warm.&nbsp; You just definitely don&rsquo;t want to drink it ice cold.</p><p><strong>This is a fact</strong>, COLDER IS NOT BETTER.&nbsp; The colder a beer is the less of it you can taste.&nbsp; The only time it is an improvement is if the beer you&rsquo;re drinking doesn&rsquo;t taste that good.&nbsp; If you want to really enjoy your beer fully, slightly chilled or cellar temperature are best.</p><p>Now as far as actually rating the beer, there are 5 scoring categories which you&rsquo;ll see abbreviated in most reviews.&nbsp; Beers are scored individually in each category, with a score out of 5 for Appearance (A or AP), 10 for Smell/Aroma (S or AP), 5 for Palate (P), 10 for Flavour (F), and 20 for Overall (O).&nbsp; All of these points are added up to a score which ranges from 0-50 out of the maximum of 50.&nbsp; Then it&rsquo;s doubled, which gives us the score out of 100.&nbsp;</p><p>A or AP - Appearance &ndash; You&rsquo;re looking for color, clarity, carbonation, how thick the head is and how long it lasts, and what kind of lacing the beer has.</p><p>&nbsp;S or AR - Smell/Aroma &ndash; What does it smell like?&nbsp; This is a pretty extensive category, check out the sample score sheet in the link below to see all the different aroma&rsquo;s that you want to look for.</p><p>P - Palate: How does the beer feel in your mouth?&nbsp; Is it watery, greasy, thin, creamy, milky, sticky?</p><p>F - Flavour: We finally get to how it tastes!&nbsp; How does the beer start, taste while it&rsquo;s in your mouth,, and how is the finish, or aftertaste?&nbsp; How bitter, sweet, or sour is it?&nbsp; Check out the score sheet below again to find some more categories of flavor description.&nbsp;</p><p>O - Overall: Basically, this is the opinion section!&nbsp; Do you <em>like </em>the beer, how good is the price?&nbsp; Would you recommend it to a friend?&nbsp; This category gets the most points because let&rsquo;s face it, whether you actually want to drink it is the whole point!&nbsp;</p><p>And that&rsquo;s it!&nbsp; Make sure when you&rsquo;re tasting the beer that you follow these categories in the order they&rsquo;re listed above.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s the best way to get all the flavor out of your beer.</p><p>Below is sample tasting sheet which should help explain what you&rsquo;re looking for in each category,:&nbsp; <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/documents/tastingform2.doc">http://www.ratebeer.com/documents/tastingform2.doc</a></p><p>For more info about what each of the beer styles should taste like (If it&rsquo;s brewed true to style), check out the these style guidelines, as laid out by the Beer Judge Certification Program of Cicerone&rsquo;s:</p><p>BJCP Style Index : <a href="http://www.bjcp.org/2008styles/catdex.php">http://www.bjcp.org/2008styles/catdex.php</a></p><p>Or the Broader (and more flexible) Brewer&rsquo;s Association Style Guidelines : <a href="http://www.brewersassociation.org/pages/business-tools/publications/beer-style-guidelines">http://www.brewersassociation.org/pages/business-tools/publications/beer-style-guidelines</a></p><p>&nbsp;And we&rsquo;ll see you all tonight at Kahn&rsquo;s Keystone, 6-8pm, &nbsp;for our next big beer tasting event!&nbsp;</p><p>Cheers!</p><p>&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Thu, 20 Feb 2014 18:16:00 GMT90+ RateBeer Beerocracy - The Best Rated Beerocracyhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/90-ratebeer-beerocracy-the-best-rated-beerocracy
<p><br /><img align="" alt="" height="1533" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/9a8c318e-7a3c-4946-addf-cffca5fd48a1/90-ratebeer-beerocracy-blog.jpg" style="width:651px;height:1533px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="651" /></p> (Lu Miller)Mon, 17 Feb 2014 16:58:00 GMTTeaser Recipehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/teaser-recipe
<p>Here&#39;s a little teaser recipe for one of the items we&#39;ll be serving tomorrow at the Valentines Night In - Wine and Food Pairing tasting we&#39;re hosting at Kahn&#39;s Downtown tomorrow evening, 5-7pm. &nbsp;We&#39;ll have plenty of food, make sure you swing by.</p><p>I hope this wets your appetite, cook an appetizer just like you may have had before at Barcelona Tapas downtown!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Goat Cheese in Tomato Sauce, served over Crostinis or with Toasted Garlic Bread.</p><p align="center">Prep &ndash; 5 min&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cook &ndash; 25 min&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Serves&nbsp; 6</p><p>What you&rsquo;ll need:</p><p>8 oz Goat Cheese</p><p>1 Cup Marinara, Pasta sauce, or Tampenade</p><p>Basil leaves &ndash; optional garnish</p><p>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.&nbsp;</p><p>2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pat goat cheese into a &frac12; inch cake and place in a shallow baking dish.&nbsp; Ladle tomato sauce into dish, surrounding but not covering the cheese.&nbsp; Bake 25 min uncovered until sauce begins to bubble and cheese is hot.&nbsp;</p><p>Serve hot over crostinis, flatbread, or toasted garlic bread.&nbsp; For an added touch garnish with fresh basil.</p><p><em>Source &ndash; WholeFoodsMarket.com</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Now wasn&#39;t that easy! &nbsp;To pick up recipes for this and more, plus find out what wine goes with it, join us tomorrow, and RSVP here:&nbsp;http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/valentine-tasting-downtown</p><p>&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Mon, 10 Feb 2014 22:05:00 GMTThe Big Game Pep Talkhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/the-big-game-pep-talk
<p>&ldquo;&ldquo;Your Team didn&rsquo;t Make it?&nbsp; Your season isn&rsquo;t over!&rdquo;</p><p>We want your colors!&nbsp; You bring the bowl, we&rsquo;ll bring the beer!</p><p>This Thursday at the Kahn&rsquo;s <em>Big Game Tasting</em> we want to see your team&rsquo;s jersey (we promise we won&rsquo;t let the Colts fans get you in the parking lot if you come in sporting something besides blue&hellip;or orange and white for the Manning fans).&nbsp;</p><p>Why?&nbsp; Because it doesn&rsquo;t matter what team you&rsquo;re rooting for, we believe The Big Game is in your heart first, and only second on the field the game is played.&nbsp; Even if your team doesn&rsquo;t make it to the final match up, it&rsquo;s the fans that never say die.&nbsp; In the name of all things tailgate, we want our sports fans to persevere, even if it&rsquo;s so cold there may not even <strong><em>be</em></strong> a Superbowl Sunday this year.&nbsp;</p><p>That&rsquo;s why we want all of you to come out and take a chance on the darker side of beer. &nbsp;&nbsp;Porters, stouts, dunkels, and all the other beers that keep you warm instead of cooling you down.&nbsp; Lagers, pilsners, &ldquo;light&rdquo; beers, they can&rsquo;t stand up to the bitter rage of a windy day just barely above freezing.&nbsp; This game, this year, is the winter game.&nbsp;</p><p>Bring your spirits, bring your jerseys, bring your beer guts.&nbsp; We&rsquo;re going to drink the winter beers.</p><p>See you there sports fans.&ldquo;</p><p>*drop microphone*</p><p>&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Tue, 28 Jan 2014 21:04:00 GMTThe Big Game Beer Tasting Beerocracyhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/the-big-game-beer-tasting-beerocracy
<p><br /><img align="" alt="" height="1532" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/f8151a8b-d979-405c-93c3-d1e0b1335b5b/big-game-beerocracy-blog.jpg" style="width:651px;height:1532px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="651" /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Mon, 20 Jan 2014 21:18:00 GMTWhy do we call these beers High Octane?http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/why-do-we-call-these-beers-high-octane
<p align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>High Octane Fuel vs High Octane Beer</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Or:&nbsp; What exactly are we going to be tasting at this event downtown tomorrow evening?</em></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">If we&rsquo;re going to refer to the beers we drink as &ldquo;High Octane&rdquo;, let&rsquo;s talk a little bit about what that means.&nbsp; Since high octane typically is used when referring to fuel (I guess beer is a kind of fuel)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Wikipedia description for high octane fuel says:&nbsp; the</span><strong style="font-size: 14px;">&ldquo;Octane rating</strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;or&nbsp;</span><strong style="font-size: 14px;">octane number</strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;is a standard measure of the performance of a motor or aviation fuel. The higher the octane number, the more&nbsp;</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compression_ratio" style="font-size: 14px;" title="Compression ratio">compression</a><span style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;the fuel can withstand before detonating. In broad terms, fuels with a higher octane rating are used in high-compression engines that generally have higher performance. In contrast, fuels with lower octane numbers are ideal for diesel engines.&rdquo;&nbsp; Higher octane fuels take more energy to start the combustion process, which means that the energy extracted from the fuel is much higher too.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Well, when it comes to beer, high octane refers to higher gravity beers (ones that have an alcohol by volume, or ABV, over 8%.&nbsp; Although there are ones now that go as high as 65%, the highest currently on record).&nbsp; High octane can also mean a beer that has a sweetener or caffeine added.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">A beer is referred to as &ldquo;high gravity&rdquo; based on the size of the gap between the original gravity (how much sugar is in the beer before fermentation) and the final gravity (how much sugar is left over after fermentation is complete).&nbsp; Which makes sense, since sugar=alcohol in fermented beverage.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Beer styles are pretty strictly defined by the gravity of the brew.&nbsp; It factors pretty heavily into what flavors are going to be dominant in the beer.&nbsp; A lower final gravity indicates a dry or crisp flavor, while a higher final gravity indicates a sweet or malty flavor.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Higher octane beers have the ability to boost your blood alcohol level more efficiently and faster than standard beers.&nbsp; Thus making you squiffier faster.&nbsp; Highly efficient fuel meets highly efficient beer, which is why we started calling high gravity beers &ldquo;high octane&rdquo;.&nbsp; The two are pretty much designed to be a more efficient liquid.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Better brewing through science has led to new brewing techniqes, boosting these numbers even higher than before.&nbsp; 12% used to be impressive, but there are beers now that could be dubbed the &ldquo;Jet&rdquo; fuel of the beer world (as high as 65%!).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Some examples we&rsquo;ve seen here at Kahn&rsquo;s include the Samuel Adams Utopias (29% ABV), Mikkeller Big Worst Barley Wine (18.5% ABV), and Mikkeller Black (17.5% ABV).&nbsp; Don&rsquo;t be afraid, these beers are delicious.&nbsp; Like I said earlier, higher gravity means sweeter and maltier flavor.&nbsp; Based on what we know now about their gravity, you can assume that any beer reaching that level will like a fine liqueur or port.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">So there you go, hopefully you learned something today about the boozy beer you like to drink.&nbsp; Now let&rsquo;s all tip our hats and raise our glasses to the masters of the brew, and those high gravity beers we all know and love.&nbsp; If you haven&rsquo;t already been enjoying some of these beers you should start soon.&nbsp; In my opinion the best way to start would be by attending our High Octane beer tasting, tomorrow 6-8pm at Kahn&rsquo;s Downtown.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">See you there, Proust!</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br />&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Wed, 11 Dec 2013 22:48:00 GMTHigh Octane Beerocracy beers are here!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/high-octane-beerocracy-beers-are-here
<p><img align="" alt="" height="1507" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/245bd0c2-9212-40dc-8abd-673fee5f1af9/high-octane-beerocracy-10.26.13.jpg" style="width:640px;height:1507px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="640" /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Lu)Fri, 06 Dec 2013 17:05:00 GMTBeer and Candy 2013 Beerocracy!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/beer-and-candy-2013-beerocracy
<p><br /><img align="" alt="" height="1533" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/a6a16c7a-3924-48ee-b05a-bef84429b6ea/beer-and-candy-beerocracy-10.26.13.jpg" style="width:651px;height:1533px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="651" /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Wed, 23 Oct 2013 21:27:00 GMTDrinkula's Best "Beer and Candy" Event Costumeshttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/drinkula-and-his-beer-and-candy-costume-ideas
<p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">Greetings to all you toothsome mortals out there.&nbsp; My name is Drinkula.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">I must say, this is my favorite time of year.&nbsp; So many delicious tricks and treats who come tastily (I mean tasting of course) for the Beer and Candy Halloween Beer Tasting.&nbsp; I could just eat them all up!&nbsp; My favorite part of the event is all the creative costumes I see.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">You might say I have a bit of a flair for fashion.&nbsp; My look has become classic Halloween fashion coutour.&nbsp; As an awknowledged expert in the spooky, my good friends at Kahn&rsquo;s graciously have asked me to write today with beer costume ideas. &nbsp;The best dressed win extra beerocracy raffle picks by crowd vote.&nbsp; So you&rsquo;d better make it good.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><img align="left" alt="" height="150" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/97b3a65a-cb81-4726-a3ed-71e2278f4cd9/voodoo-doughnut1.png" style="width:109px;height:150px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="109" /><img align="left" alt="" height="150" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/b82e371b-ff54-407b-8eae-66a2728dccef/dgposter__93341.gif" style="width:97px;height:150px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="97" />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;First is a scary classic, Rogue Dead Guy, and all you would need &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;is a skeleton costume! &nbsp;Too easy? &nbsp;Rogue has many other characters &nbsp;to choose from. &nbsp;Be inspired by Shakespeare Stout, Voodoo Bacon &nbsp;Maple Doughnut Ale, or any John John release.</span></p><div><div><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img align="right" alt="" height="150" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/6634d7fb-cf51-4613-818f-92d7d7b123d0/5381-winged-isis-statue-900x900.jpg" style="width:150px;height:150px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="150" /><img align="right" alt="" height="150" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/cb7d2a70-2309-4847-b376-50a1dd09790d/7514_press06-001.jpg" style="width:100px;height:150px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="100" /></p><div>&nbsp;</div><div><div>&nbsp;</div></div><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Looking to for costumes that support drinking locally?&nbsp; Wonderful, I love drinking locally!&nbsp; Sun King beers are a great source of character costumes. &nbsp;Osiris is a tasty beer from Sun King. &nbsp;You could go as the can or the Egyptian god of the the Underworld.&nbsp; My inside man at Sun King also let me know they would be bringing Bier de Fauve with them this year.&nbsp; Inspired by Henri Matisse, this is a great costume for lovers of art. &nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">You could also go as Isis, Zaius, El Gallo Negro, or the pirate from Sink the Clipper.&nbsp; If you do come as a pirate, be sure you are not confused with the one from Triton&rsquo;s Deadeye stout!</span></p><div><img align="left" alt="" height="150" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/b9b92ed0-d01e-49f2-9f53-4140e576e5a0/flat-12-flat-jack-rough-final-2-1024x957.jpg" style="font-size: 14px; width: 161px; height: 150px; margin: 0px;" title="" width="161" /></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;">Flat 12&rsquo;s Amber, Flat Jack, or the Soldier of Pogue&rsquo;s Run are also inspired characters to portray.&nbsp; Upside Down Blonde is a great costume for couples, although blood does tend to rush places when upside down for too long (don&rsquo;t I know it). &nbsp;</span></div><p><span style="font-size:14px;">Couple&#39;s with a slightly, shall we say, contentious relationship, could also attend together as New Holland&rsquo;s Ichabod and Shipyards Pumpkinhead.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><img align="right" alt="" height="150" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/9cb0423a-ba5d-4fa4-a093-a9023688bf24/la_chouffe.jpg" style="width:150px;height:150px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="150" /></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">Belgian beer is the place to look for costumes of a historical or fantastical nature. &nbsp;There is the most elegent Duchesse De Bourgnone, the easily copied Fantome ghost, the monk of St. Bernardus, or the delightful gnome from La Chouffe.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">As you see, craft beer is an untapped well of fantastic, and recognizable, costume ideas. &nbsp;I hope I have helped those hopeless few find one for themselves.&nbsp; It appears in my excitement I have also stayed past the rising of the sun, so I must go.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">If you need require further assistance, please feel free to summon me before the event.&nbsp; Drinkula is always happy to help, for a price.&nbsp; After all, while I will be in attendance at the event, and I so rarely drink......beer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">You may not see me before it is too late, but I will see you this Saturday, 10/26/13,&nbsp; at Kahn&rsquo;s North Willow 6-8pm, for the annual Beer and Candy Halloween Tasting Event.&nbsp; I am so very excited for this evening, I&rsquo;m sure it will be a scream.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">Yours,</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">Count D</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><p>&nbsp;</p></div><p>&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Mon, 21 Oct 2013 19:37:00 GMTA Little Black Dress can be Devilicioushttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/a-little-black-dress-can-be-devilicious
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<img align="" alt="" height="400" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/3ad1533c-b38a-4464-9994-b6a778e65d33/little_black_dress_divalicious_red_front-1-.jpg" style="margin: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; width: 275px; height: 400px;" title="" width="275" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><u>Mulled Wines</u></strong> </span><span style="font-size: 12px;">are a traditional favorite, no matter what the occasion, but Halloween presents a terrific opportunity to introduce others to its appeal. The Banshee Mulled Wine recipe is a warm wine punch sure to clutch the palate of all Halloween ghouls.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;">One bottle of red wine (such as: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot or a Spanish red) &ndash; currently <strong><em>Little Black Dress Divalicious Red</em></strong> (aka: Devilicious) on sale at <strong><em>Kahn&rsquo;s Fine Wines</em></strong> <strong>$9.99</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;">One peeled and sliced orange (keep peel to add zest to taste into cooking pot)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;">One peeled and sliced lemon (keep peel to add zest to taste in cooking pot)</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">1 tsp. ground nutmeg</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">2 tsp. ground ginger</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">5 whole cloves</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">3 cinnamon sticks</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">1/2 cup sugar (or honey can be substituted)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">2/3 cup brandy or cognac</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">1/2 cup water</span></li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>Preparation:</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;">Combine all ingredients in either a large pot or a slow cooker. Gently warm the ingredients on low to medium heat (avoid boiling), for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure that the honey or sugar has completely dissolved. When the wine is steaming and the ingredients have blended well it is ready to serve. Ladle into mugs (leaving seasonings behind), garnish with a blood orange segment and/or black plastic Halloween spiders, witches, etc. and enjoy!</span></p><p><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>lynn@kahnsfinewines.com (Lynn Sinex)Fri, 18 Oct 2013 15:26:00 GMTWTTS's Tapping Tour - A song tributehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/wtts-s-tapping-tour-a-song-tribute
<p>THE NEWEST SONG EVER!</p><p>Published in honor of all the up and coming artists who will be featured at the Kahn&#39;s leg of WTTS&#39;s Tapping tour!</p><p>by Lu Miller</p><p>Everyone here at Kahn&#39;s is very excited to be partnering with WTTS on another Tapping Tour event featuring Flat 12 Bierwerks at our Keystone on October 18<sup>th</sup> from 5-7pm, <strong>and</strong> Fountain Square Brewing at Keystone November 8<sup>th</sup> from 5-7pm.&nbsp; WTTS will be joining brewers or owners from each local brewery at both events, with FREE cds of up and coming artists.</p><p>Even better, beers from the featured breweries will be on SALE at all our Kahn&rsquo;s locations for the month surrounding the events!</p><p>This event inspired me to create a MEGA SONG, made up of lyrics from each of the artists featured on the FREE cds WTTS will be handing out at all the Tapping Tour events! &nbsp;Its like listening to the entire cd at once!</p><p align="center">The title is:&nbsp; <em>Oh Boy! You Can&rsquo;t Be Told What I Wouldn&rsquo;t Do for The Graceless Wild Child Man and Jennifer with Neon Eyes who wants an Elephant in a Penitentiary When my Train Pulls In running over The Great Divide and The Ceiling with Wings.</em></p><p align="center">By: &nbsp;Amos Lee, Little Comets, Tame Impala, Houndmouth, Boy, The Wild Feathers, Haerts, Brett Dennen, Valerie June, the Mowgli&rsquo;s, Serena Ryder, the National, Gary Clark Jr., and Saints of Valory</p><p align="center">Arranged by : Lu Miller</p><p align="center">----------------------------------------------------</p><p align="center">It was always going to end like this</p><p align="center">I am a wild child, yes I am</p><p align="center">I love the country</p><p align="center">Son I don&#39;t want to run in place, I don&#39;t want to run out&nbsp;<br />Who the hell runs this place, still trying to figure out&nbsp;<br />Why I have to fight so hard just to put up a fight&nbsp;<br />It was always going to end like this</p><p align="center">Down around Lawrence Bend<br />Oh momma the law came crashing down on me</p><p align="center">Come on down</p><p align="center">To the Penitentiary</p><p align="center">I don&#39;t want to say a word</p><p align="center">And I&#39;m calling from a pay phone<br />It was always going to end like...</p><p align="center">Son in my hands, neon eyes take the lead&nbsp;</p><p align="center">And darling I know I&#39;ve made mistakes&nbsp;<br />It was always going to end like this</p><p align="center">Misty mountain lady, won&rsquo;t you borrow me tonight</p><p align="center">I don&rsquo;t want you to be untrue<br />Let the game come easily</p><p align="center">People never smile to say goodbye.</p><p align="center">Leaving means there&#39;s nothing left to try.<br />I head east towards the city&nbsp;<br />and when the sun goes down I&rsquo;m heading home again&nbsp;</p><p align="center">And it&#39;s quiet like snow through the trees</p><p align="center">Well, I did what I did and I&#39;d do it all over again</p><p align="center">And you wish you was in a movie</p><p align="center">It&#39;s a shame that I don&#39;t love you better<br />But I broke my wings for you.<br />It was always going to end like this</p><p align="center">Rooster crowed in the dead of night</p><p align="center">Knew it wasn&#39;t right</p><p align="center">to crow before daylight</p><p align="center">Won&rsquo;t do right, and he can&rsquo;t be told&nbsp;<br />No, He can&rsquo;t be told,&nbsp;<br />No, He can&rsquo;t be told<br />See where he&#39;s bound<br />Same destination&nbsp;<br />6 feet in the ground</p><p align="center"><br />He&#39;s not too easily scared<br />Well, he feels like an elephant<br />Too bad your chances are slim<br />It was always going to end like this</p><p align="center">I&#39;m trying, but I&#39;m graceless</p><p align="center">Don&#39;t have the sunny side to face this<br />You can&#39;t imagine how I hate this<br /><br />Seen a drawer full of pills</p><p align="center">Just come and find me<br />I took the medicine when I went missing<br />Bullets through rock and through<br />Come apart at the seams<br />Now I know what dying means<br />It was always going to end like this</p><p align="center">I pray my dreams will come and I&rsquo;ll cross the great divide&nbsp;</p><p align="center">please, please come and save me&nbsp;<br />this soul of mine will finally find some peace&nbsp;<br />So I will smile and I&rsquo;ll see you there</p><p align="center">The current grows stronger<br />under different shades of blue<br />I&rsquo;ve fallen in your water<br />forget everything I knew<br />I&rsquo;ve fallen in your water<br />Oh what I wouldn&rsquo;t do<br />&nbsp;</p><p align="center">Everyday nothing seems to change.<br />Everywhere I go I keep seeing the same old thing &amp; I..<br /><br />I&#39;ll catch the next train &amp; I.. I&#39;ll move on down the line.<br /><br />Walking down the streets you might run across a smilng face.<br />But they&#39;ll stab you in the back as soon as you turn &amp; walk away<br />&amp; I.. Oh Lord it&#39;s bringing me down.</p><p align="center">It was always going to end like this</p><p align="center">We&#39;ll start it over, start it over, love</p><p align="center">She&#39;s so easy to fall for, but boy she&#39;s so hard to hold. She looks at you like the morning, you know you&#39;re gonna be hungry when you get home</p><p align="center">I&#39;ll never let the magic go.<br />I&#39;ll melt away into your afterglow.<br /><br />It was always going to end like this (x3).</p><p align="center">-------------------------------------------</p><p align="center">I hope you enjoyed this song about love, loss, depression, committing crime, saying good-bye, saying hello, being willing to lose it all, and then hopefully, being willing to work to get it all back again.&nbsp;</p><p>Call Keystone at 251-9463 for more info, or check out WTTS&rsquo;s event page here:&nbsp;<a href="http://wttsfm.com/features/nms/">http://wttsfm.com/features/nms/</a></p><p>Post on this page, join the Event on our Facebook page here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KahnsFineWines">https://www.facebook.com/KahnsFineWines</a></p><p>or follow us on Twitter @beer_at_kahns to let me know what you think!</p><p>Thanks for listening!</p><p>&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Mon, 14 Oct 2013 16:01:00 GMT#localsonly How Well Do You Know Your Local Brews - ANSWERS!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/localsonly-how-well-do-you-know-your-local-brews-answers
<p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: center;"><strong>Howdie Hoosiers!&nbsp; It&rsquo;s time for our favorite tasting of the whole year, the one that celebrates all the diversity, talent, and creativity found here in the Indiana brewing community.</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">&nbsp;</p><p align="center" style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size: 48px;"><strong>#localsonly</strong></span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font size="7"><b>THE ANSWERS!!!!!!!!!!!</b></font></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong>The free beer tasting where we pour only products brewed locally.</strong></span></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">&nbsp;</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>In 1997 Oaken Barrel took over a defunct 25 barrel system to increase their production.&nbsp; They shut it down and moved to the smaller system of their current location in 2005 (scaling back and keepin&rsquo; it local).&nbsp; What brewery&rsquo;s system did they take over in &rsquo;97?</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Indianapolis Brewing Company (the IBC for short)</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Sun King currently has 2 lager tanks in usage.&nbsp; What are they affectionately called?</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">George Michaels and Andrew Ridgely</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Until recently, Flat 12 was brewing on a 20 barrel system.&nbsp; This year they ramped up their production dramatically with 2 new outdoor fermentor units.&nbsp; How many barrels do these new fermenters have capacity for?</strong></p><p>120 barrels per fermentor (whoo!)</p><p><strong>Bonus &ndash; Why did they have to house these units outdoors?</strong></p><p>Because their ceilings are really, really low, and these fermenters are both really really tall (like really tall!&nbsp; Go see them, they&rsquo;re awesome)</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>How much beer did Sun King brew in their first 6 months of business?&nbsp; How much did they brew last year?&nbsp;</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">560bbl</p><p>15,650 bbl</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Sun King&rsquo;s original concept didn&rsquo;t call for a full production facility.&nbsp; What was it originally going to be?</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">A brewpub, mmmmm!</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>The piece of equipment used to break apart the beer palates on Sun King&rsquo;s canning line was bought from what Colorado based brewery?</strong></p><p>Ska Brewing in Colorado</p><p><strong>Bonus &ndash; What is this machine called?</strong></p><p>A de-palletizer</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Where is the McClure Family Orchard located?</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Peru, Indiana.&nbsp; And you should definitely visit, they have food available, a petting zoo for the kids to enjoy, and you&rsquo;ll usually get to say hi to one of the McClure&rsquo;s themselves while visiting.</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Does the Oaken Barrel have a large-scale production facility?</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Heck no, they&rsquo;re working in small batches with a 15 barrel brewhouse system.</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>What is Pogue&rsquo;s Run Porter of Flat 12 Bierwerks named for?</strong></p><p>The Battle of Pogue&rsquo;s Run in 1863, as well as the creek that to this day runs underneath the city.</p><p><strong>Bonus;&nbsp; What almost killed Joe Walsh 2 weeks ago?</strong></p><p>The Trinidadian Scorpion Pepper, weighing in at a hefty 1.2-2million Scoville units.</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>What year did Upland Brewery first start production?</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">1998</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>There is a tank at Sun King that was originally purchased from Upland Brewing, and used as a lager tank until better equipment could be purchased.&nbsp; What color did Sun King paint this tank, and what do they call it?</strong></p><p>They painted it pink, and it is now called the Pink Pig</p><p><strong>Question Bonus &ndash; what was this tank originally used for before being repurposed for fermenting beer?</strong></p><p>A dairy tank</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Name Upland Brewing&rsquo;s bestselling beer</strong></p><p>Upland Wheat</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>13. &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Sun King wasn&rsquo;t originally going to be called Sun King. What name was Dave and Clay&rsquo;s first choice, before eventually being changed to Sun King?</strong></p><p>Solstice Brewing</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>14. &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Where does Flat 12 Bierwerks get it&rsquo;s name?</strong></p><p>The Flathead or &ldquo;Flat-12&rdquo; cylinder engine, designed in the 1900&rsquo;s to boost the speed on racing vehicles (chosen for it&rsquo;s importance to the racing culture that is integral to Indianapolis&rsquo;s past)</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>15. &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>What event has become a weekly tradition at the Flat 12 Brewery?</strong></p><p>Taco Thursday, with Bohemia Tacos.&nbsp; Mmmm lunch tacos.</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>16. &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Co-founder Jon W. Lang has been working as a brewmaster in Indiana longer than almost anyone else.&nbsp; Where did he spend 9 years working as the brewmaster before opening Triton?</strong></p><p>Barley Island Brewing Company</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>17.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>What type of system does Triton use to purify their water? Let&rsquo;s get science-y, what does this system do?</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">A reverse osmosis filtration system, and it system strips the water down to the basics, 2 hydrogen molecules and one oxygen.</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>18. &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Name the Oaken Barrel signature line-up of beers (it&rsquo;s ok if you don&rsquo;t know them all, you&rsquo;ll get to try them at the #localsonly event)</strong></p><p>Indiana Amber, The Razz Wheat, Gnaw Bone Pale Ale, and the Snake Pit Porter.</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>19. &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>How long has the Oaken Barrel Brewpub been in business?</strong></p><p>14 years</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>20. &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Name the exact geological features of Southern Indiana that Upland is named after</strong>.</p><p>The Norman and Crawford Uplands</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>21. &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Why did Jon and David name the brewery &ldquo;Triton&rdquo; brewing?</strong></p><p>They&rsquo;re <em>obsessed</em> with water purity, and how it affects the quality and consistency of their beer.</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>22. &nbsp;</strong><strong>How many tap rooms does Upland currently have, and where are they located?</strong></p><p>3, and they&#39;re located in Bloomington, Broad Ripple, and Carmel</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>23. &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Cutters Brewery has seen rapid growth in the past few years.&nbsp; What was their brewing classification in 2011 when they opened their doors in Bloomington?&nbsp; What was their classification just 1 year later when they moved to Avon?</strong></p><p>In 2011, Nano (almost a modified homebrew system), in 2012, Micro with a 30bbl facility.</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>24. &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Upland is really well known for their sour lambics, name 3 of the fruits used to create these signature sours.</strong></p><p>All I really care about are the Persimmon, Blackberry, and Kiwi, sooooo tasty!</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>25. &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>What revolutionary new innovation has Cutters pioneered in respect to growler fills?</strong></p><p>Growler pouches, yep, growler pouches.&nbsp; Check it out (it&rsquo;s in the first photo under &ldquo;related photos&rdquo;:</p><p>http://flyergroup.com/local/x1913000853/Cutters-Brewing-makes-its-hard-working-beer-in-Avon</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>26. &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Why the funny spelling on Bierwerks?</strong></p><p>The spelling, and most of the line-up of beers, are designed as a homage to the history of Indianapolis and the immigrant culture that made Indianapolis great.</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>27. &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>What background makes the founding members of Fountain Square unique?</strong></p><p>SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, specifically one of the founding members worked previously as an engineer at Eli Lilly.</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>28.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>While the McClure family has owned their orchard for 15 yrs, when were they finally able to start distributing their family made wines and artisanal ciders?</strong></p><p>September, 2010</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>29. &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>From where do the owners of New Day Meadery, Brett and Tia, order all of the honey used to make their signature meads?</strong></p><p>Wildflower Ridge Honey Farm in Anderson, IN. &nbsp;</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>30.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>Name a couple of awesome specialty small batch meads produced by New Day Meadery</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Why name them when you can try them at the beer tasting tonight! &nbsp;</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>31. &nbsp; What brewery did Fountain Square buy their current system from? (Hint, they were local)</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Alcatraz</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>Alright, that&#39;s a rap! &nbsp;</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>Thanks for playing, Quizzers! &nbsp;</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>We&#39;ll also be tweeting the questions one at a time leading up to the event, if you&#39;d like to show off your massive brain on twitter, follow us @beer_at_kahns.</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>Till then, drink local</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>#locals only!</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">&nbsp;</p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Thu, 29 Aug 2013 17:37:00 GMT#localsonly BEEROCRACY! 8.29.13http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/localsonly-beerocracy-8-29-13
<p><img align="" alt="" height="1226" src="https://az480170.vo.msecnd.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/b5ba2a93-d9a5-4cc0-9f15-d80d6f2ec9a5/localsonly-beerocracy-8.29.jpg" style="width:651px;height:1226px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="651" /></p> (Lu Miller)Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:42:00 GMT#localsonly how well do you know your local brews?http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/localsonly-how-well-do-you-know-your-local-brews
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Howdie Hoosiers!&nbsp; It&rsquo;s time for our favorite tasting of the whole year, the one that celebrates all the diversity, talent, and creativity found here in the Indiana brewing community.</strong></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:48px;"><strong>#localsonly</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>The free beer tasting where we pour only products brewed locally.</strong></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>How well do you know your local breweries?&nbsp; Take the quiz and find out!</strong></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Post answers to each question in the comments section below, or follow us on twitter @beer_at_kahns to answer questions each day leading up to the tasting.</strong></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>We&rsquo;ll post the correct answers next week before the tasting!</strong></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>In 1997 Oaken Barrel took over a defunct 25 barrel system to increase their production.&nbsp; They shut it down and moved to the smaller system of their current location in 2005 (scaling back and keepin&rsquo; it local).&nbsp; What brewery&rsquo;s system did they take over in &rsquo;97?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Sun King currently has 2 lager tanks in usage.&nbsp; What are they affectionately called?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Until recently, Flat 12 was brewing on a 20 barrel system.&nbsp; This year they ramped up their production dramatically with 2 new outdoor fermentor units.&nbsp; How many barrels do these new fermenters have capacity for?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Bonus &ndash; Why did they have to house these units outdoors?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>How much beer did Sun King brew in their first 6 months of business?&nbsp; How much did they brew last year? (</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Sun King&rsquo;s original concept didn&rsquo;t call for a full production facility.&nbsp; What was it originally going to be?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>The piece of equipment used to break apart the beer palates on Sun King&rsquo;s canning line was bought from what Colorado based brewery?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Bonus &ndash; What is this machine called?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Where is the McClure Family Orchard located?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Does the Oaken Barrel have a large-scale production facility?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>What is Pogue&rsquo;s Run Porter of Flat 12 Bierwerks named for?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Bonus;&nbsp; What almost killed Joe Walsh 2 weeks ago?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>10.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>What year did Upland Brewery first start production?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>11.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>There is a tank at Sun King that was originally purchased from Upland Brewing, and used as a lager tank until better equipment could be purchased.&nbsp; What color did Sun King paint this tank, and what do they call it?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Question Bonus &ndash; what was this tank originally used for before being repurposed for fermenting beer?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>12.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Name Upland Brewing&rsquo;s bestselling beer</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>13.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Sun King wasn&rsquo;t originally going to be called Sun King. What name was Dave and Clay&rsquo;s first choice, before eventually being changed to Sun King?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>14.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Where does Flat 12 Bierwerks get it&rsquo;s name?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>15.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>What event has become a weekly tradition at the Flat 12 Brewery?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>16.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Co-founder Jon W. Lang of Triton Brewing has been working as a brewmaster in Indiana longer than almost anyone else.&nbsp; Where did he spend 9 years working as the brewmaster before opening Triton?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>17.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>What type of system does Triton use to purify their water? Let&rsquo;s get science-y, what does this system do?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>18.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Name the Oaken Barrel signature line-up of beers (it&rsquo;s ok if you don&rsquo;t know them all, you&rsquo;ll get to try them at the #localsonly event)</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>19.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>How long has the Oaken Barrel Brewpub been in business?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>20.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Name the exact geological features of Southern Indiana that Upland is named after.</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>21.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Why did the founding members, Jon and David, name the brewery &ldquo;Triton&rdquo; brewing?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>22.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>How many tap rooms does Upland currently have, and where are they located?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>23.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Cutters Brewery has seen rapid growth in the past few years.&nbsp; What was their brewing classification in 2011 when they opened their doors in Bloomington?&nbsp; What was their classification just 1 year later when they moved to Avon?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>24.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Upland is really well known for their sour lambics, name 3 of the fruits used to create these signature sours.</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>25.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>What revolutionary new innovation has Cutters pioneered in respect to growler fills?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>26.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Why the funny spelling on the Bierwerks in &ldquo;Flat 12 Bierwerks&rdquo;?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>27.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>What background makes the founding members of Fountain Square unique?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>28.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>While the McClure family has owned their orchard for 15 yrs, when were they finally able to start distributing their family made wines and artisanal ciders?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>29.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>From where do the owners of New Day Meadery, Brett and Tia, order all of the honey used to make their signature meads?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>30.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>Name a couple of awesome specialty small batch meads produced by New Day Meadery.</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>31. &nbsp; What brewery did Fountain Square buy their current system from? (Hint, they are local)</strong></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Alright, that&#39;s a rap! &nbsp;</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Thanks for playing, Quizzers! &nbsp;Answer whatever questions you can in the comments below, and find out if you&#39;ve got the local 411 next Wednesday morning. &nbsp;</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>We&#39;ll also be tweeting the questions one at a time leading up to the event, if you&#39;d like to show off your massive brain on twitter, follow us @beer_at_kahns.</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Till then, drink local</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>#locals only!</strong></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p> (Lu Miller)Mon, 19 Aug 2013 21:49:00 GMTOh My Goodness, RumChata Cupcakes, Scrumptioushttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/oh-my-goodness-rumchata-cupcakes-scrumptious
<h2><img align="" alt="" height="123" src="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/c0dd14b1-ecd1-41fb-815e-859ba8d9df3c/rumchata-cupcakes.jpg" style="margin: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; width: 150px; height: 123px;" title="" width="150" />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(132, 0, 47);">RumChata Cupcakes</span></span><br />&nbsp;</h2><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><ul><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">1 1/2 cups sugar</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">1/2 cup butter (1 stick, at room temperature)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">2<span style="font-size: 12px;"> cups flour</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">2 tsp baking powder</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">1 cup RumChata</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">1 tsp vanilla extract</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">1 tsp cinnamon</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">4 egg whites</span></li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Directions:</strong></span></p><ol><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Preheat oven to 350*</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Combine sugar &amp; butter and beat until fluffy.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Mix together flour, baking powder, salt, &amp; cinnamon, set aside</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Mix the RumChata &amp; vanilla together, set aside</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Alternating, add in the flour mixture and RumChata mixture in to the butter and sugar. Start and end with the flour mixture.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form (this will be easiest in an electric mixer)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Fold egg whites in to the batter &ndash; do not do this in an electric mixer, use a spatula</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Fill cupcake liners (18)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Bake for 20 minutes or until cake &ldquo;bounces back&rdquo; when touched.</span></li></ol><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong><u>RumChata Cream Cheese Frosting</u></strong></p><p><strong>NOTE</strong>: This makes A LOT of frosting, so the recipe can be cut in half, or freeze leftover frosting for use later.</p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span></p><ol><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">12 ounces of cream cheese (1 1/2 packages, at room temperature)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">1/2 cup of butter (1 stick, at room temperature)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">1/2 tsp of vanilla</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">5 tbsp of RumChata</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">1 package of confectioners&rsquo; sugar (2 lb. bag), can use less for a frosting that isn&rsquo;t quite as sweet</span></li></ol><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Directions</strong>:</span></p><ol><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Combine butter and cream cheese until smooth</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Add vanilla</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Slowly add confectioners&rsquo; sugar</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Mix in RumChata, &nbsp;use more or less based on the thickness of the frosting.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Frost the cupcakes</span></li></ol><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;">Keep chilled till ready to eat, ENJOY</span><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>lynn@kahnsfinewines.com (Lynn Sinex)Fri, 16 Aug 2013 13:46:00 GMTTreat your guests to a Summertime Bar-B-Q paired with Rieslinghttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/treat-your-guests-to-a-summertime-bar-b-q-paired-with-riesling
<p style="text-align: center;"><img align="left" alt="" height="124" src="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/1c8fc72f-7107-4aae-a291-e4bff486e463/riesling-blog-pic.png" style="margin: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; width: 200px; height: 124px;" title="" width="200" />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(132, 0, 47);">&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;<strong><u>Wine of the Month Club Grilled Menu</u></strong></span></span></h2><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Summertime is synonymous with outdoor barbeques, the smell of food sizzling on&nbsp; the grill and family and friends gathered around an outdoor table.&nbsp; If you&rsquo;re like me, you love to cook outside, drink a little wine, eat outside, drink a little more wine and enjoy the beauty and warmth of a summer evening.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Imagine a patio table covered with a red and white checkered table cloth, colorful outdoor tableware, wine glasses and candles glowing in the early evening; then imagine an entire meal centered around one great wine and your grill.&nbsp; Let&rsquo;s get grillin&rsquo;!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">One of July&rsquo;s <a href="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/c932583e-ce83-49d1-bd0a-369a8b579881/wine-of-the-month-brochure-2012.pdf" ><span style="color: rgb(21, 51, 95);"><strong><em>Wine of the Month Club</em></strong></span></a> selections was the <a href="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/2fa9f855-ebe3-4b09-a000-9f5d63a55f47/2011-heinz-eifel-riesling.pdf" ><span style="color: rgb(21, 51, 95);"><strong><em>2011 Heinz Eifel Riesling Spatlese</em></strong></span></a>. <span style="color: rgb(132, 0, 47);"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><em><strong>(order </strong></em></span><strong><em><span style="font-size: 12px;">on Kahn&#39;s website) </span></em></strong></span>&nbsp;It is an elegant Riesling, luscious and full-bodied with a long and fresh finish.&nbsp; Not only an ideal dinner wine but perfect with riper, aged chesses, and fruit due to its enhanced complexity.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Riesling is hands-down one of the best food wines in the world, it&rsquo;s balance of intense acidity, minerality and fruit makes it an especially good match for spicy foods and the mix of ethnic flavors popular in the west.</span></p><p>&nbsp;<img align="" alt="" height="75" src="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/db6d23bb-8acc-4d92-92d5-44f87df7e179/charcuterie.jpg" style="margin: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; width: 100px; height: 75px;" title="" width="100" /></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>First Course:</strong>&nbsp; Charcuterie consisting of cured meats and cheeses, such as Asiago, Cheddar, Gorgonzola,&nbsp;Gouda, Gruyere and Genoa Salami, Soppresata, Pepperoni, Cotto Salami, Peppered Salami or Prosciutto</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Second Course:&nbsp;</strong> <a href="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/1ff73d18-0545-4556-959a-8ac70d1d5294/grilled-apricot-arugula-goat-cheese-salad.pdf" ><span style="color: rgb(21, 51, 95);"><strong><em>Grilled Apricot, Arugula and Goat Cheese Salad</em></strong></span></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Main Course:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(21, 51, 95);"><strong><em><a href="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/51d20d23-6844-4575-a7e5-eef37444006f/barbequed-ribs.pdf" >Barbequed Ribs</a> and <a href="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/fa46e87b-ddc4-4199-8b7c-441c0f43ce98/grilled-green-beans.pdf" >Grilled Green Beans</a></em></strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dessert:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/fb62c393-0968-4a9f-8ad1-fdeabf023a09/grilled-fruit.pdf" ><span style="color: rgb(21, 51, 95);"><em><strong>Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Sugar Butter and/or Grilled Pineapple</strong></em></span></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;I encourage you to try this simple summertime meal and the Heinz Eifel Riesling, a 90 points wine priced under $13.00.&nbsp; Comments and feedback are welcome (<a href="mailto:lynn@kahnsfinewines.com"><u>lynn@kahnsfinewines.com</u></a>)</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Bon Appetite &ndash; Cheers!</span></p><p><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>lynn@kahnsfinewines.com (Lynn Sinex)Wed, 14 Aug 2013 15:59:00 GMT"Bubbly" Just Works Really Well With Brunchhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/bubbly-just-works-really-well-with-brunch
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img align="" alt="" height="200" src="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/01a5de33-318f-4cb7-8990-c9f93c85cfe3/champagne.jpg" style="margin: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; width: 267px; height: 200px;" title="" width="267" />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(132, 0, 47);"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Champagne Brunch&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>If I say Kleenex, Coke, Xerox, Clorox, Chap Stick, what thought or image pops into your mind?&nbsp; Do you visualize a tissue, soft drink, copy machine, bleach and lip balm?&nbsp; Most likely you do.</p><p>If I say Champagne, what is your first thought?&nbsp; Unless you are an aficionado, you probably think of a sparkling wine or often just &ldquo;bubbly&rdquo;.&nbsp; While all champagne is sparkling wine, not all sparkling wine is champagne. There are so many sparkling wines to sample and enjoy, so let&rsquo;s have brunch and explore the differences.</p><p>First of all, sparkling wine is a wine with significant levels of carbon dioxide in it making it fizzy.&nbsp; The carbon dioxide may result from natural fermentation, either in a bottle, in a large tank designed to withstand the pressures involved, or as a result of carbon dioxide injection.</p><p>There are many different types of sparkling wine:</p><ul><li><strong><em>Blanc de Blancs</em></strong> &ndash; sparkling wine made from the white grape, Chardonnay</li><li><strong><em>Blanc de Noir</em></strong> &ndash; sparkling wine made from the black grape Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier</li><li><strong><em>Chanpagne</em></strong> - In order for a sparkling wine to be considered champagne, it has to come from the Champagne region in North Eastern France.</li><li><strong><em>Rose </em></strong>&ndash; a pink wine because a little red wine is blended in after the secondary fermentation &nbsp;to adjust the color</li><li><strong><em>Asti</em></strong> is the generic Italian term for sparkling wine</li><li><strong><em>Prosecco</em></strong> is an Italian sparkling wine, generally dry or extra dry and the main ingredient of the Bellini cocktail</li><li><strong><em>Moscato</em></strong> is an Italian sparkling wine with lower alcohol content and it has a fruit-forward, sweet to semi sweet character</li><li><strong><em>Espumante</em></strong> &nbsp;is a Portuguese sparkling wine, fragrant with great acidity and rich, earthy fruit flavors</li><li><strong><em>Cava</em></strong> is a Spanish sparkling wine, it may be white or rose and is an important part of Spanish family tradition</li><li><strong><em>Sparkling Shiraz or Red Wine</em></strong> is an Australian sparkling wine, or as they used to be known in Australia - Sparkling Burgundies, and is made in the same way as Champagne - that is, bottle fermented, aged on lees, then liqueured and left to develop in the bottle. However, instead of using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as the base wines, they use quality red wines</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sparkling wine of all varieties can be paired with just about any food group but it works really well with brunch, a classic meal that we all enjoy.&nbsp; At my house I would prepare an assortment of cheeses and charcuterie and serve a domestic sparkling blanc de blanc, followed by <strong><em><a href="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/1d85acd1-9d1e-4a0d-9dd2-64874707125e/prosciutto-wrapped-melon.pdf" >Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon</a> </em></strong>and <strong><em><a href="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/12a8290b-4657-4992-a9e5-d4be9ab4b265/sweet-and-sour-little-smokies.pdf" >Sweet and Sour Little Smokies </a></em></strong>paired with Cava.</p><p>Entr&eacute;e dishes of <a href="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/cfbb05a4-5231-41a1-afc2-07db959e0867/hazelnut-banana-french-toast.pdf" ><strong><em>Hazelnut Banana French Toast</em></strong></a>- served with Prosecco and <a href="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/3a0fead6-6829-48a3-bcfa-2aeda0c7d30e/grilled-chicken-breasts-with-grapefruit-glaze.pdf" ><strong><em>Grilled Chicken Breasts with Grapefruit Glaze </em></strong></a>paired with brut Champagne are excellent choices.</p><p>Brunch side dishes that would pair nicely with any type of sparkling wine include <strong><em><a href="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/0ef99cb6-2177-4ecf-84f0-4f73c55d1bf7/stuffed-mushrooms.pdf" >Stuffed Mushrooms</a>, <a href="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/d926e32c-ed9e-4d55-9c4f-5c9ed54d232c/poached-eggs-with-parmesan-and-smoked-salmon-toasts.pdf" >Poached Eggs with Parmesan and Smoked Salmon Toasts</a></em></strong>, Caesar Salad, or Caprese.</p><p>Moscato served with assorted pastries, cheese cake or chocolate pudding would be a perfect ending for your brunch.</p><p><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>lynn@kahnsfinewines.com (Lynn Sinex)Wed, 10 Jul 2013 16:35:00 GMTJuly 27th: HOPPY BIRTHDAY, North Willow!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/july-27th-hoppy-birthday-north-willow
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/hoppy-birthday-registration" target=""><img align="" alt="" height="613" src="https://mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/d67dd3dc-02dd-47be-865b-d5d9430f0c71/hoppy-blogday-.gif" style="width:651px;height:613px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0px" title="" width="651" /></a><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Shilpa)Thu, 04 Jul 2013 14:10:00 GMTIf you love Rum Chata, you'll love these drinkshttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/if-you-love-rum-chata-you-ll-love-these-drinks
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><u><strong>BananaChata</strong></u></span></p><p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p><p>2 parts RumChata<br />1 part banana liqueur<br />1 part caramel vodka<br />Banana slices</p><p><strong>Directions</strong></p><p>Shake with ice and pour into a rocks glass. Garnish with a banana slice caramelized with RumChata and brown sugar</p><p><u><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cinnamon Bun</strong></span></u></p><p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p><p>3 parts RumChata<br />1 part Kahlua</p><p><strong>Directions</strong></p><p>Pour ingredients over ice and stir</p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><u><strong>Momma Latte</strong></u></span></p><p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p><p>2 parts RumChata<br />2 parts Patron XO Cafe Tequila<br />1 part skim milk</p><p><strong>Directions</strong></p><p>Serve over ice in a rocks glass</p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><u><strong>Chocolate Cream Pie Martini</strong></u></span></p><p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p><p>1 part RumChata<br />1 part vanilla vodka<br />1 part Godiva Chocolate Liqueur</p><p><strong>Directions</strong></p><p>Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>lynn@kahnsfinewines.com (Lynn Sinex)Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:46:00 GMTBeerocracy! Downtown Summer Beershttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/beerocracy-downtown-summer-beers
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/summer-beers-downtown" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(132, 0, 47);"><strong>RSVP For Summer Beers Downtown</strong></span></a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/6122f0c8-7c31-4fe9-885e-322de523c069/summer-beerocracy.png" style="width:651px;height:1532px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Beer at Kahn's)Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:12:00 GMTTry this great dinner menu paired with Wine of the Month Wineshttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/try-this-great-dinner-menu-paired-with-wine-of-the-month-wines
<h2><strong><u><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/22c4fb00-436e-4b1a-aeca-67f15bc66ed3/wine-of-the-month-blog-pic.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; width: 210px; height: 150px;" title="" />Wine of the Month Club Dinner Menu</u></strong></h2><p>Even though our regular wine tasting events expose our customers to many different types of wine from across the globe we can&rsquo;t truly showcase the flavors without food.&nbsp; The wine may be enjoyable, but to really savor the wine, you need to pair it with the right type of food.</p><p>Have you ever heard of Grenache Blanc, Monastrell, or Cotes du Rhone?&nbsp; If you&rsquo;re like the vast majority of us, probably not.&nbsp; Typically we purchase familiar varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot from California vintners and feel intimidated by names we can&rsquo;t even pronounce.</p><p>As I have learned, working for <strong><em>Kahn&rsquo;s Fine Wines</em></strong> these past eight years, there is a world of excellent, affordable wine out there.&nbsp; Having the opportunity to try so many different varietals and blends has broadened my horizons, tantalized my taste buds, and made me eager to try something new.&nbsp;&nbsp; So I created a full dinner menu around three different wines for your enjoyment.</p><p><strong><em>Wikipedia defines wine and food matching &ldquo;as the process of pairing food dishes with wine to enhance the dining experience.&rdquo;&nbsp; </em></strong></p><p style="margin-left: 1in;"><strong>First Course:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Smoked Salmon and Beaufort Cheese, a firm, raw cow&#39;s milk cheese associated with the gruyere family.&nbsp; An Alpine Cheese, it is produced in Beaufort, which is located in the Savoie region of the French Alps. <strong><em><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/1081eaf5-536d-480d-8b59-567b6826bf94/2010-gassier-pais-white.pdf" target="_blank">Pair with 2010 Michel Gassier Nostre Pais Blanc</a>.</em></strong>&nbsp; <a href="https://kahnsfinewines.securemp.com/wine/wine-by-region/france/rhone/nostre-pais-costieres-de-nimes-blanc/mpsfi/b251b217-1855-4fa0-b93c-fc5770f06844" target="_blank">(Order on Kahn&#39;s website)</a></p><p style="margin-left: 1in;"><strong>Second Course:&nbsp; </strong>Simple Peach Salad, based upon your taste, simply toss together some or all of the following: arugula, fresh peaches, chopped red onion, cucumber, fresh creamy goat cheese and sliced almonds for some crunch. &nbsp;Drizzle with a bottled vinaigrette or make your own with a chopped peach, vinegar, oil, salt &amp; pepper, blended together in a blender.&nbsp; With the strong peach flavors in the wine and its relative earthiness, a terrific pairing is <strong><em>2010 Michel Gassier Nostre Pais Blanc.</em></strong></p><p style="margin-left: 1in;"><strong>&nbsp;Main Course:</strong> <a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/0fbdb7de-fa9d-4e59-99de-b4056e855564/smokey-grilled-pork-chops.pdf" target="_blank"><strong><em>Smoky Grilled Pork Chops</em></strong></a>&nbsp; I make these chops frequently and they are GR<strong><em>EAT &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/ab4e1223-074d-4ca8-b1a2-0a4b69889fef/sauteed-peppers-with-garlic.pdf" target="_blank"> Saut&eacute;ed Peppers with Garlic, Eggplant and Potatoes</a></em></strong><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/ab4e1223-074d-4ca8-b1a2-0a4b69889fef/sauteed-peppers-with-garlic.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;<a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/7b30ee96-4862-40ae-8823-843647a56113/2009-castano-hecula.pdf" target="_blank"> Pair with <strong><em>2009 Bodegas Castano Hecula.&nbsp; </em></strong></a><a href="https://kahnsfinewines.securemp.com/wine/wine-by-region/europe/spain/castano-hecula/mpsfi/e460fca6-efc2-4aee-af8b-4d7da278ff57" target="_blank"><em>(Order on Kahn&#39;s webiste)</em></a><strong><em>&nbsp; S</em></strong>ome of the dominant aromas and flavors of Monastrell wine are smoke, earth and spice which pair so nicely with roasted or smoked meats and hearty vegetable dishes.</p><p style="margin-left: 1in;"><strong>Dessert:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/7a904199-31a9-4bb1-9bb7-edd8a94ad9e5/divine-chocolate-bundt-cake.pdf" target="_blank"><strong><em>Divine Choc</em></strong><strong><em>olate Bundt Cake</em></strong></a> This recipe has been a family favorite for years, so easy, yet simply delicious.&nbsp; Pair with <a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/8e079194-f5d7-45a8-b88c-0e4992fd7277/2011-cercius-red.pdf" target="_blank"><strong><em>2011 Michel Gassier Cotes du Rhone Villages Visan Cercius</em></strong></a> <a href="https://kahnsfinewines.securemp.com/wine/wine-by-region/france/rhone/cercius-cotes-du-rhone/mpsfi/58308abf-b3f4-43c1-a311-6ac4c146d461" target="_blank">(Order on Kahn&#39;s website)</a>, chocolate and red wine &ndash; <em>What&rsquo;s Not to Like</em>?</p><p style="margin-left: 1in;">&nbsp;</p><p>I hope that my introduction to three of May&rsquo;s <a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/8da7ce92-46fa-47f9-8ca0-8eef8a2559eb/wine-of-the-month-brochure-2013.pdf" target="_blank"><strong><em>Wine of the Month Club</em></strong> </a>selections will encourage you to consider joining our club and prompt you to try a wine you&rsquo;ve never drank before.</p><p><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>lynn@kahnsfinewines.com (Lynn Sinex)Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:22:00 GMTSummer Beers Downtown!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/summer-beers-downtown
<div style="text-align: center;"><p>Just as surf legend Bruce Brown never settled for still water, craft beer drinkers are nomads.&nbsp; You&rsquo;ll find them roaming the shelves of their beer havens, always in search of something new.&nbsp;&nbsp; This insatiable thirst has led to astronomical growth supporting the ever varied tastes of this audience.&nbsp; Finding &ldquo;<em>The Perfect Beer</em> for the season&rdquo; is a search that will never end.&nbsp; So, the breweries will never stop fermentating and permutating new creations.</p><p>Summer beers used to mean anything light, cold, and thirst quenching.&nbsp; Usually an American lager, a wheat beer, a witbier, or a pilsner.&nbsp; They&rsquo;re classics for a reason, and no one would ever challenge their rightful seat on the throne of Summer.&nbsp; Daredevil brewers are now redefining boundaries with new brews like the laid back &lsquo;surfer-style&rsquo; American IPA.&nbsp; The hop bite still beats a pale ale, but these &ldquo;session&rdquo; beers are great for long days spent on the water.&nbsp;</p><p>Other newcomers include American re-imaginings of Belgian golden ales, Belgian farmhouse beers, and the classic German Kolsch beer.&nbsp; Beer master&rsquo;s experimentations and infusions of rarely used fruits, herbs, and spices have broadened the flavor palate normally associated with beer.</p><p>In honor of this ever evolving opus of beverage creation, Kahn&rsquo;s downtown store, located in the heart of the Indianapolis downtown, is honored to host our first full-fledged beer tasting event and Beerocracy raffle (details for Beerocracy beers TBA).&nbsp;</p><p>Live dangerously.</p><p>Come to ride the &ldquo;big one&rdquo;.&nbsp; Sample old favorites, and new creations.&nbsp; Our staff is sure that somewhere in the mix, you will find a new favorite of your own to try.&nbsp; After all, no risk, no reward.</p><p>The date is set for Thursday, June 13<sup>th</sup>, 6-8pm.&nbsp;</p><p>RSVP by phone to 317.632.9463 or with the attached form conveniently below.</p><p>Concerned about parking?&nbsp; Please contact <a href="mailto:Lu@kahnsfinewines.com">Lu@kahnsfinewines.com</a> for great downtown parking tips.</p><br /><marketpath:element alignment="null" id="8f5c4bde-4735-4236-886f-916c47ce24b7" settings="" type="form"></marketpath:element><br />&nbsp;</div><p>&nbsp;</p> (Shilpa and Lu)Wed, 29 May 2013 17:55:00 GMTTackling a Tricky Summer Pairinghttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/tackling-a-tricky-summer-pairing
<p><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/d21ad533-d324-4d26-a697-3bd04246d946/hot-dog-wines.jpg" style="width:651px;height:488px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" />I love grilling hot dogs in the summer, especially if I can get my hands on some Koegel&rsquo;s from Michigan. Most of the time if I&rsquo;m eating them I would accompany them with a beer. Of course, not everyone is a beer drinker and even we beer drinkers can appreciate a nice glass of wine every now and then. So I got to thinking&hellip;what would a wine drinker serve with their franks? Hot dogs can be very versatile when you consider the wide array of condiments and toppings you can use. I&rsquo;ve come up with several options to pair with this summer grilling treat!</p><p><strong><em>Gew&uuml;rztraminer</em></strong> from Alsace or Germany works really well with hot dogs. After all, this area is home to some of the best sausages in the world! These wines can be dry or sweet, but either way aromas and flavors of exotic fruits like lychees along with apples and honey accentuate the sweetness of the meat. This pairing works especially well if you add a bit of sauerkraut on top.</p><p>Try: <strong>Domaine Ehrhart Gewurtztraminer Herrenweg 2009</strong></p><p>Believe it or not dry French <strong><em>Ros&eacute;</em></strong> wines are a fantastic pairing. Pink dogs=pink wine! These are some of the most food-friendly wines in the world and are great for summer grilling. They have enough body to stand up to the dogs, and their fruit character is complex enough to make things interesting. Syrah and Cabernet Franc based ros&eacute;s will be rich, bone-dry and full of crisp, bright red fruits like strawberries and cherries with a good amount of acidity and minerality that highlight that grill flavor.</p><p>Try: <strong>Chateau Grande Cassagne Ros&eacute; 2012</strong> or <strong>Domaine des Cantarelles Ros&eacute; 2012</strong></p><p><em><strong>Merlot </strong></em>is a classic pairing for hot dogs (if there is such a thing). The velvety, plush mouth feel of a Merlot plays well with the texture of the meat. The blackberry, plum and cherry flavors make a phenomenal pairing if you are someone who loves ketchup on their dog.</p><p>Try: <strong>Waterstone Napa Merlot</strong></p><p>Adding some chili to that hot dog? Think about pairing it with a <strong><em>Shiraz </em></strong>or <strong><em>Zinfandel</em></strong>. These wines will have enough tannins to cut through the fat and enough luscious, ripe fruit to balance out the spice especially if there are any jalapenos on the scene.</p><p>Try: <strong>Hobo Rockpile Zinfandel 2011 </strong>or <strong>Hesketh Barossa Shiraz 2010</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Stop in to Kahn&rsquo;s to try out my pairings and let me know what wines you like to pair with your dogs!</p><p>Cheers,</p><p>Will</p><p>&nbsp;</p> (Will Barnhart)Mon, 27 May 2013 18:28:00 GMTTaste Cans of Craft Beers for the Track!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/taste-cans-of-craft-beers-for-the-track
<p style="text-align: center;"><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/a7195d22-7c5a-47a8-848a-2155aab66e2c/race-into-kahns.png" style="width:651px;height:842px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> ()Thu, 23 May 2013 14:33:00 GMTBeerocracy at Staff Picks Tastinghttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/beerocracy-at-staff-picks-tasting
<h1 style="text-align: center;"><br />Yup...&nbsp; It&#39;s time again for Beerocracy...&nbsp;</h1><h1 style="text-align: center;">Kahn&#39;s favorite beer event!&nbsp; If you are in the K-Klub, you <u>may </u>get the opportunity to purchase these highly allocated beers.</h1><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/b5ace23f-ae75-41d1-8e9a-6dab2c438722/staffpicksbeerocracy-for-web.pdf" target="_blank">Click Here for a Sneek preview of what you may have a chance to purchase.</a><br /><br />RSVP Below</h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><marketpath:element alignment="null" id="4ccd7e0c-b712-4a07-82a5-41d7b1db7b25" settings="" type="form"></marketpath:element><br />&nbsp;</h2> (Shilpa and Lu)Tue, 14 May 2013 15:26:00 GMTKahn's Staff Picks Their Favorite Beers for Tastinghttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/kahn-s-staff-picks-their-favorite-beers-for-tasting
<h1><br /><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/98620f06-5c92-410a-a477-6ba4f2bc17e8/staff-picks-blog2.pdf" target="_blank">Click Here to get a little preview of the favorite beers being poured for this tasting.&nbsp; This is by no means all of them, just a few of their favorites!</a></h1><h2><span style="font-size:14px;">RSVP On-Line... Just Fill Out Below and Submit</span><br /><marketpath:element alignment="null" id="4ccd7e0c-b712-4a07-82a5-41d7b1db7b25" settings="" type="form"></marketpath:element><br /><br />&nbsp;</h2> (Lu & Shilpa)Tue, 14 May 2013 15:13:00 GMTThe “True Life” story of Funk’s Rise to Fame.http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/the-true-life-story-of-funk-s-rise-to-fame
<h2>Bring the Noise, Drink the Funk</h2><h3>The &ldquo;True Life&rdquo; story of Funk&rsquo;s Rise to Fame.</h3><p>At Kahn&#39;s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactobacillus">Lactobaccilis</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brettanomyces">Brettanomyces</a>, and sometimes collaborator, Pediococcus have become as definitive to Funk as James Brown, the Isley Brothers, and George Clinton. However, these two fun guys haven&#39;t always enjoyed popularity. In fact, their stories start with infamy...<br />&nbsp;</p><p>&ldquo;As a kid, Lacto-B never really fit in. He was always the center of attention, but it was almost never for a good reason&hellip;&rdquo; Lactobaccilis&rsquo; high school principle further explained that they were constantly introducing themselves into brews, but never with the brewer&rsquo;s consent.</p><p>Known for dangerous and highly unpredictable behavior, they eventually became well known as the bad boys of the brew world. &ldquo;<a href="http://www.chow.com/food-news/54996/your-beer-smells-like-goat/">It&rsquo;s seen as a spoilage organism</a>,&rdquo; tisked one of Brett&rsquo;s Professors, mere weeks before the yeast was expelled for setting the same professors car radio on fire.&nbsp; When asked for comment Brett responded, &ldquo;As an &lsquo;it&rsquo; I obviously couldn&rsquo;t have done anything to the car myself.&rdquo;</p><p>It wasn&rsquo;t until the boys revisited Senne Valley in Belgium in the 1830s, that they got their first big shot.</p><p>A group of funky farmers and mad monk innovators were ready to make intentionally funky beers.&nbsp; Belgian beers were fermented in wooden barrels, with natural fruits, or in containers open to the air, allowing wild yeasts and bacteria to enter the beer naturally.&nbsp;</p><p>It was a grand gamble, would the Funk brothers be able to control themselves for long enough to be a brewmaster&#39;s tool?<br />&nbsp;</p><p>&ldquo;They could and they did,&rdquo; states one of the original brewers who wished to remain anonymous.&nbsp; For the first time in their careers Brett and Lactobaccili began to receive positive reviews.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p><p>&quot;It was a revelation...&quot; admitted Brett in a 1967 interview, &quot;Throughout my long life, I never thought I could be... well, I still wouldn&#39;t call myself a good bacteria.&quot; The bad boy was said to smirk at that statement. By then, Lactobaccilis and Brett&#39;s sour singles &quot;Lambics&quot;, &quot;Guezes&quot;, and &quot;<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sour_beer">Flemish red ales</a>&quot; were hits in Belgium, but it wasn&#39;t until the American craft beer revolution in the 1970s and 80s that they started gaining popularity in America.</p><p>Sour and Funk exploded into the American brew scene, going all the way to #1 with &quot;ExBrett Yourself&quot;, &quot;It&#39;s Your Sour&quot;, and &quot;Thank You (Falettinme Saison Mice Elf Again).&quot; &nbsp;Brett became the &quot;it&quot; ingredient as those searching for the next great exbeeriment recognized its untapped potential. &nbsp;</p><p>However, the yeast still proved to be a difficult pair- with some very peculiar needs.&nbsp; &ldquo;Months of work, no guarantee of success, and every guarantee of ruin,&rdquo; explained one brew collaborator, &ldquo;If they didn&rsquo;t get their specially purified sucrose solution and bacteria infested fruit platters&hellip; they would just <em>lose it.</em>&rdquo;</p><p>As tempermental as the pair could be, collaborators were anything but dissuaded as the hits rolled in. &ldquo;<em>Brett</em>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chow.com/food-news/54996/your-beer-smells-like-goat/">is almost a taboo sort of a thing</a>,&rdquo; says the brewmaster at Southampton, New York&ndash;based Southampton Ales &amp; Lagers<em>.</em>&nbsp;&ldquo;There&rsquo;s an allure because there&rsquo;s an unpredictability to it, and that&rsquo;s exciting.&rdquo;&nbsp; Groups like Jolly Pumpkin, the Bruery, and Russian River Brewing embraced the group with opens arms.&nbsp; Together they have added to a new beer sub-genre called American &quot;wild&quot; ales, changing the scene of sour and funk with the same experimental mentality found in great Funk artists like George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic.</p><p>Today, these wild beers have skyrocketed to national cult status, their progress closely tracked by fans, and bottles that sell for big bucks on a beer &ldquo;black market&rdquo;.&nbsp; Their bad reputations made their successes even more coveted by fans.&nbsp;They have secured their place in the Hall of Fame of Funk, inspiring beer geeks all over the world, and redefining Funk one more time for our generation.</p><p>Kahn&rsquo;s Fine Wines and Spirits, a local venue that regularly features sold out performances of the group, will offer a unique retrospective of their work at an upcoming Beer Tasting Event.&nbsp; Join these reporters at Kahn&rsquo;s Keystone Location Thursday, April 25<sup>th</sup> from 6-8pm for a free showcase of Sour and Funk&rsquo;s career.&nbsp;</p><p>RSVP to 317.251.9463.</p><p>While there you can join the Beerocracy raffle, with the possibility of taking home rare Sour and Funk releases.&nbsp; We&rsquo;ll also be raffling off tickets to their next big festival, Sour+Wild+Funk Fest, sponsored by Upland Brewing and Kahn&rsquo;s Fine Wines, taking place May 11, 2013.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;RSVP on Line!<br /><marketpath:element alignment="null" id="6f2af28f-7f0d-47ae-8850-9956919a701c" settings="" type="form"></marketpath:element><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</h2> (Lu)Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:53:00 GMTBring the Noise...Drink the Funkhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/bring-the-noise-drink-the-funk
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/6adb875d-67db-4b53-9deb-f295f8525373/beerocracy.gif" style="width:651px;height:1762px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><br /><br />RSVP On Line!</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><marketpath:element alignment="center" id="6f2af28f-7f0d-47ae-8850-9956919a701c" settings="" type="form"></marketpath:element><br /><br />&nbsp;</div> (Lu)Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:11:00 GMTBattle of Belgium Recap, A New Champion is Crownedhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-recap-a-new-champion-is-crowned
<h2><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/38bb4add-55cf-4583-acde-b3575d48bbc8/don-de-dieu.jpg" style="width:125px;height:388px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><span style="color:#15335f;">Introducing the 2013 Battle of Belgium Champion...</span></h2><h2><span style="color:#15335f;">Unibroue Don de Dieu</span></h2><p><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/7916718f-f1f8-484e-90f2-f08ba5e6cc43/final-results-2013-battle-of-belgium.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>The final Battle of Belgium 2013 Bracket</strong></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/battle-of-belgium-bracket-challenge-standings" target="_blank">Final 2013 Battle of Belgium Bracket Challenge Standings</a></strong><br />&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Final Night of Battle of Belgium!</strong></p><p>Intrigue, brutality and candied sugar: the final reckoning of Kahn&rsquo;s Fine Wines&rsquo; third annual Battle of Belgium! Votes were won by any means necessary. Punches were thrown, babies were kissed.* History will appreciate our vigilant record:</p><p><strong>Round 1: </strong></p><p>In a war of attrition, underdog Canadian, Don De Dieu** took out newcomer Brother Thelonius. Chimay Blue defeated dread pirate, Piraat, proving that one ought never to challenge a Trappist ale when death is on the line. Sailing off after defeat, Piraat was seen wiping a tear as salty as the sea from its weathered face.&nbsp;</p><p>GI Matilda, her head shaved ala Demi Moore in <em>GI Jane</em>, faced sly Rochefort 8. Her pull-ups were for naught,*** since the headstrong American fell repeatedly into 8&rsquo;s nefarious Trappist traps. With fruit, malt and malice, Rochefort 8 advanced to the final round.</p><p>The most anticipated match-up was the cage fight between Leffe Brune and Rochefort 10. Last year, underdog Brune bounced Rochefort 10 (#1 seed), in the first round, beginning its glorious ascension. Since then, Rochefort 10 has sought vengeance, secretly contriving a coup d&rsquo;etat against the King of Belgian Beer. Using brute ABV and a distinguished dried fruit profile, Rochefort leveraged its strengths, crushing the child-king by five votes.</p><p><strong>Round 2: </strong></p><p>As you all know, the final melee is a brutal, four-way elimination. All the beers arrived fervent and at the top of their game. If any contender was concerned about the unforgiving scrutiny of veteran palates, it didn&rsquo;t show. Initial votes led to a three way tie between Rochefort 8, 10 and Unibroue Don De Dieu, while Chimay, once again, folded under the spotlight. Next to fall was Rochefort 8, making a rare misstep in the octagon. Ignoring any human instinct for mercy, remaining contenders, Don De Dieu and Rochefort 10 stayed neck to neck the entire round. At the end of the day, Dieu prevailed with a two-vote knock-out punch, proving that polite doesn&rsquo;t mean weak in Canadian.****</p><p>&nbsp;A new king was crowned. The treacherous 10 was knocked down a few notches, sitting, once again in the shadows of an underdog champion. 10 was spotted walking off, already plotting its next coup, while Canada&rsquo;s Dieu sat overlooking the wreckage atop Kahn&rsquo;s most coveted throne. Dieu, a natural leader in flavor, smiled a quiet Canadian smile***** and breathed deep the refined cellar-temperature air at Kahn&rsquo;s. ******</p><p>*Important: This is a joke. The only babies allowed into Kahn&rsquo;s are those that appear to be over the age of 40&hellip;. and the cute little kid on the Founder&rsquo;s Breakfast Stout label.</p><p>**Technically, this name is pronounced with an <em>outrageous</em> <em>French accent.</em></p><p>***Her?</p><p>****Note, our research has shown that both Canada and narwhals are real. We were all very surprised. We thought it was just a South Park joke. &nbsp;</p><p>***** Full disclosure: None of our writers have ever seen a Canadian beer smile. Or a Canadian. Except on TV.</p><p>******Kahn&rsquo;s employee, Todd, takes full responsibility for overusing asterisks in this blog. Shilpa would have preferred footnotes. Lura would have preferred that this post be pictures of her cats. Her cats with Belgian beers. Which&hellip; lets be honest&hellip; would have been really adorable and is now replacing next year&rsquo;s BoB.&nbsp;</p> (Shilpa, Lu, and Todd)Sun, 10 Mar 2013 06:31:00 GMTBattle of Belgium 2013 Round 2 Recaphttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-2013-round-2-recap
<p><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/9aa48417-bb69-4652-bd04-6eaf33b3ed4f/battle-of-belgium-logo-2013.jpg" style="width:300px;height:296px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/38c03cc2-a9bf-4f4c-92a2-22da50dd3a5a/round-2-2013-battle-of-belgium.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>The Battle of Belgium Bracket After Round 2</strong></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/battle-of-belgium-bracket-challenge-standings" target="_blank">Current Battle of Belgium Bracket Challenge Standings</a></strong></p><p>The second night of Battle of Belgium brought us another round of hard-won victories and brutal eliminations here at Kahn&rsquo;s Fine Wines North Willow!</p><p>Reigning champion, Leffe Brune trounced #4 seed Ommegang Hennepin in their first ever match-up. Customers commented on the similarity of the two beers, both meek yet compelling, but Brune consistently scored the vote.</p><p>The Battle faced one tie breaker tonight, when world renowned Chimay Blue faced Goose Island Pere Jacques. Chimay prevailed, but boy did that Jacques put up a fight. Tomorrow night, Chimay Blue will be facing fellow Belgian, and buccaneer of beer, Piraat for a chance at the final four.&nbsp;</p><p>In Brussels, staff darling quad, Rochefort 10 won by seven votes against St. Feuillien Grand Cru (#7 seed). Looks like Rochefort 10 is continuing its path of domination towards a re-match with Leffe Brune. Rochefort 10 was last seen with a vengeful glint in its eye.</p><p>In the family, Rochefort 8, 10&rsquo;s younger, more civil (no less bloodthirsty) cousin, won by a landslide against #4 seed Three Philosophers. The Rochefort family has some fight! It would not surprise us to see both Rocheforts make it to the final round and fight it out with two other worthy brews for the title of King of Belgian Beer! &nbsp;Would you choose the beast or the gentleman?</p><p>Goose Island Matilda proved to be the fairest of them all in its match up against Boulevard Tank 7. This was close, Tank 7 keeping a thin lead until the last votes of the night pushed Matilda over the edge. While Tank 7 weeps the tears of a thousand candy-less babes, Matilda prepares for future battles. Will Lady Matilda surprise everyone and be the first ever Queen of Belgian Beer? Only time and your generous palates will tell&hellip;.</p><p>Rounding up the night, Brother Thelonius (#8 seed), the American monk, continues to out-taste and upset. Tonight, the king of jazz will face Unibroue Don De Dieu, who beat out brother, La Fin Du Monde by 8 points. Their parents tell reporters that they are proud of both sons, and would have been overjoyed regardless of the outcome.</p><p>&nbsp;Overall, this was a tense night for Belgian Beer fans, but, boy, was it fun. The underdogs of Antwerp and Brussels continue their trip towards the final round. As some beers are sent back to the shelves in shame and other prepare for rounds 3 and 4; fans eagerly anticipate tonight&#39;s double-header and the crowning of the KING OF BELGIAN BEER!</p><p>Will your palate decide the victor?</p><p>-Shilpa and Lura-</p><p><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (Shilpa and Lu)Sat, 09 Mar 2013 19:09:00 GMTBattle of Belgium 2013 Round 1 Recaphttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-2013-round-1-recap
<h2><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/7c8ccb14-64ed-47fa-b828-1a0707ca6f82/battle-of-belgium-logo-2013.jpg" style="width:275px;height:272px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><font color="#15335f">And then there were 16.</font></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left"><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/20cafc80-8b4e-441d-9865-bd21145d84af/round-1-2013-battle-of-belgium.pdf" target="_blank"><b>The Battle of Belgium Bracket After Round One</b></a></p><p align="left"><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/battle-of-belgium-bracket-challenge-standings" target="_blank"><strong>Current Battle of Belgium Bracket Challenge Standings</strong></a></p><p align="left">Round one of Battle of Belgium 2013 is now on the books.&nbsp; Last night, Belgian beer lovers filed into Kahn&rsquo;s NW to taste and judge matchups of Belgian beers from some of the world&rsquo;s greatest breweries. The matchups varied considerably, as classic styles were matched against modern styles, quads were pitted against other quads, hoppy beers were pitted against rich, malty brews and more. Overall, the beers were outstanding, but eventually, the top beers forged ahead. Five of the top eight seeds dominated their matchups, and three were knocked out of the competition: #1 seed St. Bernardus Abt 12 (Waterloo region), #2 seed Duvel (Brussels region), and #2 seed Delirium Tremens (Antwerp region).</p><p align="left">In the Brussels region, defending Battle of Belgium champion Leffe Brune trounced Triton Brewery&rsquo;s Sin Bin, advancing to round two for a matchup with Ommegang Hennepin.&nbsp; Hennepin, with its compelling notes of citrus, floral and spice, may give the defending champion a run for its money. The lower part of the Brussels bracket featured Rochefort 10 destroying Brooklyn&rsquo;s Sorachi Ace.&nbsp; As many of you may remember, Rochefort 10, a #2 seed, was upset by Leffe Brune, a #7 seed, in round one of last year&rsquo;s Battle of Belgium. If Rochefort and Leffe continue to hold serve, then they will be on a collision course for an epic rematch in round three; however, strong and delicious newcomers Hennepin and St. Feuillen Grand Cru stand in their way.&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Bruges region was chalk, with all four top seeds advancing. The round two matchups in Bruges are particularly compelling, as this region is stacked with brews that have performed well in past years.&nbsp; Rochefort 8, a finalist last year, is matched against Three Philosophers from Ommegang brewery.&nbsp; Last year, Three Philosophers beat up on Goose Island&rsquo;s wildly popular Matilda, but was ousted by Leffe Brune in the following round. Perhaps #2 seed Matilda will get another crack at Three Philosophers in round three, but it has to get past Boulevard&rsquo;s Tank 7 first. Interestingly, we&rsquo;ll also get to see what Three Philosophers is really made of as it takes on perennially dominant #1 seed Rochefort 8.&nbsp;</p><p align="left">For some reason, Waterloo is always the craziest region. Last year, #7 seed and eventual champion Leffe Brune emerged from the Waterloo region. This year, Waterloo featured three upsets, including the biggest upset of Battle of Belgium 2013 so far. Brother Thelonious, a #8 seed, upset #1 seed St. Bernardus Abt 12. Interestingly, Brother Thelonious and Abt 12 were tied at the end of the voting.&nbsp; To break ties in the Battle of Belgium, one Kahn&rsquo;s staff member tastes both beers, and votes. As luck would have it, I was the lucky staff member. I tasted both beers, and I&rsquo;ll be honest, both were delicious and it was difficult to choose. Yesterday, for me, Brother Thelonious was the better beer. In an ironic twist, my vote completely busted my bracket, as I picked St. Bernardus Abt 12 to win it all.&nbsp; I apologize if my tie-breaking vote busted your bracket as well.</p><p align="left">In other Waterloo news, the St. Bernardus Tripel outmatched Goose Island&rsquo;s Sofie, setting up a second round matchup with Brother Thelonious.&nbsp; Perhaps we shouldn&rsquo;t count St. Bernardus out of Battle of Belgium 2013 just yet. In an interesting twist, the bottom part of the bracket features two brews from Canada&rsquo;s Unibroue Brewery.&nbsp; Both Don de Dieu and La Fin do Monde are outstanding, so it will be interesting to see what your palates prefer.&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Antwerp also provided us with three upsets.&nbsp; 2012 finalist Chimay Blue coasted into its round two matchup with Goose Island&rsquo;s Pere Jacques.&nbsp; Pere Jacques tends to excel in the Battle of Belgium, when it isn&rsquo;t matched up against Belgian quads, but this is a new year. In the bottom part of the Antwerp bracket, Boulevard&rsquo;s Sixth Glass dominated Tripel Karmeleit, and Piraat comfortably beat Delirium Tremens.&nbsp; It should make for an interesting round two matchup, but the smart money to win the Antwerp region is on Chimay Blue.</p><p align="left">That concludes our Battle of Belgium Round 1 matchup.&nbsp; We look forward to seeing you again tonight from 6-8 pm at Kahn&rsquo;s North Willow as we get one step closer to crowning 2013&rsquo;s King of Belgian Beer.&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Come join us! K Klub members: don&rsquo;t forget, there&rsquo;s a Beerocracy Raffle at 7:30 tonight!</p><p align="left"><strong><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/beerocracy-at-battle-of-belgium-2013" target="_blank">Check out tonight&#39;s Beerocracy Beers here!</a></strong></p><br />todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:09:00 GMTBeerocracy at Battle of Belgium 2013http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/beerocracy-at-battle-of-belgium-2013
<p><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/d9920e25-4025-4634-8a7f-32940622ad32/battle-of-belgium-beerocracy.jpg" style="width:651px;height:1915px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Tue, 05 Mar 2013 20:40:00 GMTWelcome to Bill and Ted’s “Most Excellent Report on the History of Gluten free and Delicious Brews!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/welcome-to-bill-and-ted-s-most-excellent-report-on-the-history-of-gluten-free-and-delicious-brews
<p>&nbsp;</p><h2 align="center">As experts in all things excellent and historical, they&rsquo;ve asked me, Bill, and my best friend, Ted, to travel here from San Dimas, CA to give one of our world famous historical reports.</h2><p>Some people might think Gluten free products are totally bogus!&nbsp; But they&rsquo;re totally not!&nbsp; There&rsquo;s this <em>lame</em> disease called Celiac Disease.&nbsp; In 2003 a new study blew up the idea that only 1% of people had it.&nbsp; Try 1 in every 133 Americans!&nbsp; Since then, new diagnoses show it affects roughly 18 million Americans.</p><p>No way!</p><p>Naturally gluten free products like Ciders and Meads are gaining increasing notice and popularity across the country.&nbsp; These products are, like, the <em>original</em> brews.&nbsp; People have been making Ciders in America since the founding of the New World, and Meads can be traced back as far as 20,000 years ago in Africa!&nbsp; Try a brew made totally by nature and honey bees!&nbsp;&nbsp; Whoah!&nbsp;</p><p>Like the craft beer industry, American cider production and popularity was <em>utterly wasted</em> by Prohibition.&nbsp; Totally not cool.&nbsp; The good news, is that rad British companies like Crispin, Strongbow, and Blackthorn have been keeping the old world cider tradition alive.&nbsp; Brands like Woodchuck started introduced ciders back to the American market.&nbsp; And new artisanal brands started popping up all over to give people more variety.&nbsp; Yeah Ace and Original Sin!&nbsp;</p><p>Mead is, like, significant.&nbsp; Despite a drop in popularity, it&rsquo;s survived since the 1800&rsquo;s artisanal niche markets.&nbsp; Modern craft producers have been totally making their mark.&nbsp; Like New Day Meadery, your way local family meadery; and B. Nektar from Michigan.&nbsp; They have been producing and distributing bodacious beverage since 2006.</p><p>Craft Brewers have even found ways to make most excellent and delicious gluten free beer!&nbsp; Sorghum, buckwheat, rice, and corn all make way flavorful and way alcoholic delicious brews.&nbsp; Imports include St. Peter&rsquo;s and Green&rsquo;s.&nbsp; Local breweries include Two Brothers, Lakefront, Widmer, and Redbridge.</p><p>To sum up, cheer up Celiac suffering dudes and dudettes!&nbsp; Be merry to those looking for a brew that is a refreshing, fruity, and a way historic alternative to wine or beer!&nbsp;</p><p>We&rsquo;ll see you at North Willow Thursday March 28<sup>th</sup> from 6-8pm!</p><p>There&rsquo;s drink a plenty, so party on, dudes!</p><p><strong style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><img align="" alt="" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/fe5af6c3-79c8-4ae3-ba88-6648d2383040/cider-and-mead-khronicle-ad.jpg" style="width: 651px; height: 268px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" title="" /></strong></p> (Lura Miller)Thu, 21 Feb 2013 20:59:00 GMTKahnsinghttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/kahnsing
<h1><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/d36308c3-7886-4d0b-834d-35cad6639e5c/kahnsing.jpg" style="width:651px;height:245px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><br /><br /><span style="color:#84002f;">Kahnsing</span></h1><p>Introducing <strong>#kahnsing,&nbsp;</strong>a fun way to say hello and cheers!&nbsp;</p><h2><span style="color:#84002f;">What is Kahnsing, exactly? </span></h2><p><strong>Toasting while standing on one foot.</strong> &nbsp;Kahnsing can be done alone, but we think kahnsing Is more fun when done with others. At Kahn&#39;s, we like to have fun, and we&#39;re reasonably certain you&#39;ve noticed that we regularly substitute the letter &#39;K&#39; for the letter &#39;C&#39; whenever we Kahn. Yep, did it right there. &nbsp;To us, Kahnsing is more than just a funny pose though. &nbsp;Kahnsing is a way to connect with each other, have fun, and be creative...all things that we see as a big part of what we do around here.</p><h2>Join in the fun...</h2><p>Snap pics of you Kahnsing with friends and send them to us via facebook (<strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KahnsFineWines" target="_blank">KahnsFineWines</a>)</strong>&nbsp;or on twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/Beer_at_Kahns" target="_blank">@</a><strong><a href="https://twitter.com/Beer_at_Kahns" target="_blank">Beer_at_Kahns&nbsp;</a></strong>or <a href="https://twitter.com/Wine_at_Kahns" target="_blank">@<strong>Wine_at_Kahns</strong></a>. Make sure to use the hashtag&nbsp;<strong>#kahnsing</strong>.</p><p>Exotic locations, creativity and humor are strongly encouraged. Have fun with it. &nbsp;</p><p><strong>Every month, we&#39;ll select the best #kahnsing &nbsp;pic we can find and give that person a gift certificate...just for #kahnsing!</strong></p><p>So, let&#39;s get this thing going...look for us #kahnsing too...we have lots of fun ideas...so stay tuned!</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:49:00 GMTB.A.'s Top Picks-Beerocracy Revealed!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/b-a-s-top-picks-beerocracy-revealed
<p><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/5451469d-c20d-4f36-9fc7-4d555737206d/b.a.-top-picks-beerocracy.jpg" style="width:651px;height:1509px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Sat, 26 Jan 2013 22:06:00 GMTB.A.'s Top Pickshttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/b-a-s-top-picks
<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/79517b41-5095-4b38-805a-295bd2e7ae45/beeradvocate-mr-t.png" style="width:400px;height:299px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" />Much maligned and forever misunderstood, the A-Team&rsquo;s B.A. Baracus is an enigma., A co-worker once joked that &ldquo;with a pair of pliers and a little time, [B.A] could fix anything but dinner.&rdquo; A mechanical wizard, B.A.&rsquo;s technical genius was in stark contrast to his underdeveloped interpersonal skills. Past performance evaluations note that he: &ldquo;has severely deficient conflict resolution skills&rdquo; and &ldquo;regularly displays a contemptuous disregard for authority.&rdquo; &nbsp;Not shockingly, the words &lsquo;Collaborative Problem Solver&rsquo; and &lsquo;Good Listener&rsquo; are not present on B.A.&rsquo;s Curriculum Vitae. For legal reasons, we cannot describe how B.A. treats people he doesn&rsquo;t like, but we can disclose that he is more likely to punch a close friend square in the face than he is to listen about their day.&nbsp; One co-worker stated that &ldquo;a good swift kick in the pants is more pleasant than even a brief interaction with B.A.&rdquo;</p><p>It&rsquo;s easy to see why many believe that &lsquo;B.A.&rsquo; stands for <strong>B</strong>ad <strong>A</strong>ttitude. &nbsp;</p><p>And that&rsquo;s sad, because there&rsquo;s a different, compelling side of B.A that his gruff demeanor belies. &nbsp;&nbsp;It sounds crazy, but truth be told, B.A. has been active in the beer community for around thirty years. In fact, B.A. co-founded the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), scored a perfect score on the BJCP exam and holds the distinguished rank of Grand Master Judge VII.&nbsp; A Master Cicerone, B.A. is one of the four industry experts charged with administering the oral examination portion of the final examination to all Master Cicerone candidates. Be warned.&nbsp;</p><p>An expert brewer, B.A. has won gold medals for every beer he has entered into the Great American Beer Festival (over 105 entries at last count), and even won gold five times in the highly contested American Style IPA category. Additionally, B.A. helps Three Floyd&rsquo;s brew its famous Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout, and leads the Quality Assurance (QA) teams for Russian River Brewing Company and the famous Trappist brewery Westvleteren.</p><p>Though it is easy to see why some would equate B.A. with Bad Attitude, &lsquo;B.A.&rsquo; actually stands for Beer Advocate; and his accomplished, albeit little-known resume, provides ample evidence for his longstanding commitment to beer and the beer community.&nbsp; &nbsp;In fact, B.A. helped brothers Jason and Todd Alstr&ouml;m to create Beer<em>a</em>dvocate, the most famous and important beer website on the internet. &nbsp;Because B.A. did not wish to have a visible role in the website&rsquo;s operations, Jason and Todd insisted that the website be called Beer<em>a</em>dvocate, to honor B.A.&rsquo;s contributions to the beer community.&nbsp; B.A. begrudgingly (as usual), agreed.&nbsp; Today, B.A. serves on the board at Beer<em>a</em>dvocate, and he tastes and rates beer regularly with Jason and Todd.</p><p>The picture above is of B.A. with his good friends Jason and Todd Alstr&ouml;m. Let me assure you, this picture was extremely difficult to obtain.</p><p>Pretty cool, right?</p><p>Kahn&rsquo;s has known B.A. for a while; and we have been in regular discussions with him about hosting an event to showcase some of his favorite beers. Finally, because of his strong allegiance to Beer<em>a</em>dvocate, B.A. agreed that we could host an event called <strong>BA&rsquo;s Top Picks</strong>.&nbsp; The beers in this event are all 90+ rated on Beer<em>a</em>dvocate and by B.A. himself.</p><p>We are pleased that B.A. gave us permission to host an event that will feature 90+ rated beers, but we feel obliged to insert a brief word of caution: B.A. is still B.A., so make sure you come to this event&hellip;.or B.A. will come find you, and as stated earlier, we do not recommend being on the wrong side of an argument with B.A.<img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/0b95107c-8ed8-4f4c-b8b8-a5531c821db8/ba-s-picks-web-ad.png" style="width:600px;height:372px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Fri, 18 Jan 2013 20:37:00 GMTNew Mayan Prophecy Revealed!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/new-mayan-prophecy-revealed
<p>&nbsp;</p><p><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/46e2a295-bc52-4de9-8a52-9ecd287be586/barrel-prophecy.jpg" style="width:400px;height:500px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" />Bourbon barrels have been an important part of Kahn&rsquo;s Fine Wines ever since we started hand-selecting bourbons from Kentucky&rsquo;s finest distilleries. When we buy a barrel of bourbon from a distillery, the distillery bottles the whiskey and gives us the barrel as part of the deal. We love hand-selecting bourbons, and the barrels provide us a physical reminder of a fond memory. In fact, everyone who helps to select the bourbon signs and dates each barrel, so every barrel at Kahn&rsquo;s tells the story of its whiskey and the people who selected it.&nbsp; While these barrels have always served as reminders of positive memories, we&rsquo;ve never had a barrel tell us something about the future&hellip;until last Friday.</p><p>On Friday, December 1<sup>st</sup>, 2012 we noticed something peculiar on a bourbon barrelhead as we set up our North Willow store for Saturday&rsquo;s Champagne and Shopping Event. We were going to use the barrel as a tasting station, but as we moved it into place, we saw something that gave us pause.</p><p>Take a close look&hellip;</p><p>This is the view of a Buffalo Trace barrelhead at Kahn&rsquo;s North Willow.&nbsp; If you look closely at the barrelhead, you will see the Mayan Long Count Calendar, which some have argued predicts the world&rsquo;s end on December 21, 2012.&nbsp; Whether you believe that or not is up to you, but we are certain that you are as perplexed as we are with the Mayan Long Count Calendar&rsquo;s presence on a Buffalo Trace barrelhead at Kahn&rsquo;s Fine Wines.&nbsp; Certainly, this is no coincidence.&nbsp; Curious, we had our resident Mayan scholar examine the calendar for deeper meaning or some clue to its bizarre presence on our barrelhead.&nbsp; Bravo to our hiring managers, by the way, who assured us that having a Mayan scholar on staff would come in handy at some point&hellip;</p><p>As our Mayan scholar examined the barrelhead, 8 glyph-like letters became clear. If you look closely, you can see that the characters closely resemble the Roman characters: L, A, S, T, C, A, L, L. Interesting.&nbsp; Upon further review, he noticed that our Mayan Long Count Calendar referenced an odd sequence of numbers: 12.19.19. 17.19.&nbsp;</p><p>Peculiar.</p><p>Now we were really interested, so we had him dig deeper.&nbsp; Our Mayan scholar then mentioned that the Mayan date 13.0.0.0.0 on the Mayan Long Count Calendar was significant because it marked the end of what Mayan&rsquo;s called the &lsquo;fourth world.&rsquo; He further explained that 13.0.0.0.0 corresponds to December 21<sup>st</sup> 2012 on our calendar.</p><p>Provocative.</p><p>That of course led us to the next question: What day is 12.19.19.17.19 on our current calendar? As it turns out, <strong>12.19.19.17.19 = December 20, 2012. </strong>The date BEFORE the end of the fourth world.</p><p>Let&rsquo;s review the information we have before us:</p><ol style=""><li><strong>Bourbon Barrel</strong> at Kahn&rsquo;s Fine Wines with a curious and interesting version of the Mayan Long Count Calendar</li><li>The Mayan Long Count Calendar on the barrel contans 8 glyph-like characters that closely resembled the Roman letters <strong>L,A,S,T,C,A,L,L.</strong></li><li>The curious sequence of numbers: (12.19.19.17.19, A Mayan date), which corresponds to <strong>December 20, 2012</strong>, the day BEFORE the Mayan&rsquo;s predicted end of the fourth world.</li></ol><p>What conclusions can we draw from this arcane combination of information?&nbsp;<strong>To us, the Mayans are clearly calling for a BOURBON TASTING...</strong></p><p><strong>Join us for LAST CALL, a Tasting of 25 Bourbons at Kahn&#39;s NW on December 20, 2012 from 6-8 pm, the night before the world&#39;s end.</strong></p><p><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/9ca1b0f6-39f8-49f0-9ff9-f63c3feea083/last-call-bourbon-tasting-email-banner.png" style="width:650px;height:200px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></p><br /><br />todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:41:00 GMTBeerocracy at High Octanehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/beerocracy-at-high-octane
<p><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="undefined" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/e1685b5b-62e4-44f7-a108-df30ee07a5da/high-octane-beerocracy-.jpg" style="width:650px;height:841px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Tue, 04 Dec 2012 17:30:00 GMTBeerocracy Beers for Barrel Aged Beerhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/beerocracy-beers-for-barrel-aged-beer
<p><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.33076923076923076" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/ab596887-bfcd-420f-96fb-fc31370d7ed1/barrel-aged-beer-blog-pics.jpg" style="width:650px;height:215px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center">Join us on <strong>Thursday, November 8<sup>th</sup> 6-8PM</strong> at our North Willow location, to try some lovely <strong>Barrel Aged Beers!</strong></p><p align="center">In addition to <strong>25+ Beers to taste, </strong>we will have a Beerocracy Raffle for our K-Klub members for a chance to buy these coveted, limited-release, barrel aged selections!</p><p align="center"><strong>Founder&rsquo;s Kentucky Breakfast Stout</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Goose Island Juliet</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Hoppin&rsquo; Frog Barrel Aged Naked Evil</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Hoppin&rsquo; Frog Barrel Aged Outta Kilter</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Jolly Pumpkin/Maui Brewing Co. Sobgrehumano</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Rivertown Lambic</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Sun King Wee Muckle</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>The Brewery Fruet</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>The Brewery Oude Tart</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch Calvados Barrel Aged</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Struise Pannepot Grand Reserva</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>&nbsp;Great Divide Espresso Oak Aged Yeti</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Three Floyds Behemoth Barleywine</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Goose Island King Henry</strong></p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:02:00 GMTBeerocracy Beers at Beer and Candyhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/beerocracy-beers-at-beer-and-candy
<p><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="1.5283842794759825" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/2b0e43f4-ccf5-47b9-85c5-85058fa540c7/beer-and-candy-eyes.jpg" style="width:229px;height:350px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></p><p>Come for the beer tasting!&nbsp; Stay for the raffle!&nbsp;&nbsp; Tis the season when all good ghosts and goblins partake in the ambrosia that is beer and candy. &nbsp;Beer itself is a beautiful balance of sweet and bitter. &nbsp;Tastings are free for everyone (over 21, that is).&nbsp; But you have to be a Kahnoisseur Klub member to participate in the &lsquo;Beerocracy&rsquo; raffle.&nbsp; The &lsquo;Beerocracy&rsquo; raffle is an incentive program affiliated with our Kahnoisseur Klub.&nbsp; Kahn&rsquo;s takes a limited number of highly allocated beers, and cellars them away.&nbsp; Every beer tasting event will feature a raffle.&nbsp; Winning a raffle drawing means that you win the right to purchase a &lsquo;Beerocracy&rsquo; item featured at that event.&nbsp; These beers are produced in limited quantities, and not available year round (kind of like having Christmas in July).&nbsp;&nbsp; Not a member of the K-Klub?&nbsp; No prob!&nbsp; You can sign up anytime, even at the event!&nbsp; Only $10, per individual, for an annual membership.&nbsp; Pretty <u>Sweet</u>, huh?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 400px; "><tbody><tr><td><img align="left" alt="" sizeratio="1.530612244897959" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/46d27262-67de-4c12-922b-508e23ffd03a/beer-and-candy-beerocracy.png" style="text-align: center; width: 147px; height: 225px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; " title="" /></td><td><p style="text-align: center; "><strong>Beerocracy Beer Raffle for the Beer and Candy Event include</strong>: Rogue Imperial Stout, The Bruery Oude Tart, Three Floyds/Mikkeller BooGoop, Schneider Weisse Cuvee Barrique, Rivertown Ojos Negros Lambic, Founders Frangelic Mountain, Bell&rsquo;s Expedition Stout, Drie Fonteinen Oude Gueuze, Three Floyds RisGoop, Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, Three Floyds Behemoth, Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine, Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout, Goose Island Juliet, and Great Divide Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout.</p><p style="text-align: center; "><strong>Good Golly, Molly!&nbsp; That&rsquo;s a lot of Beer!!!</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Tue, 16 Oct 2012 22:33:00 GMTDiamond in the Rough, Fall 2012 Editionhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/diamond-in-the-rough-fall-2012-edition
<h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2><span style="color: rgb(21, 51, 95); "><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.5936" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/d4c691e0-5852-498e-a223-7597615a881b/diamond-large-web-ad.png" style="width:625px;height:371px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" />When and where is Diamond in the Rough? </span></h2><p><span style="font-size:16px;">Thursday, November 1,&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 16px; ">6-8:30pm</span>,&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 16px; ">2342 W. 86th RSVP: 317-228-9463</span></p><div><p><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/5c5928f5-88cb-4c57-99c7-8e0c83268fd4/diamond-fall-2012-tables-preview.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Download a sneak peek of the wines&nbsp;here</strong></a></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(21, 51, 95); ">What is Diamond in the Rough?&nbsp;</span></strong></span><span style="text-align: justify; ">Diamond is a huge tasting and sale on closeout wines from all the distributors in Indiana. </span><strong style="text-align: justify; ">WINE PRICES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED</strong><span style="text-align: justify; ">,&nbsp;sometimes even below wholesale cost! It&#39;s important to come to the tasting because there are some wines that are on distributor closeout lists for a reason...if you catch my drift...</span></p></div><p>But sometimes...most of the time, in fact, you&#39;ll find wines that have no business being on closeout lists... These are the true DIAMONDS in the Rough.</p><p><strong>DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH WILL FEATURE OVER 80 WINES!</strong></p><p><strong>A couple of things to keep in mind...</strong></p><p>All orders are case orders<br />Credit Card required with order<br />Often there is a finite amont of each wine available, so we split what is available based on the number of orders....For example, if there are only two cases of a wine and there are four orders, then everyone gets six bottles.<br /><br /><strong>K Klub orders are filled first..</strong>..this gives you a huge advantage over non K Klub Members. &nbsp;Let&#39;s say there&#39;s four cases of a wine. &nbsp;If eight people order a case and two of those people are K Klub members, the K Klub members each get their case, and the remaining two cases are split evenly among the remaining six people (4 bottles each). &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><strong>It pays to be a K Klub member!&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/why-you-should-join-the-kahnoisseur-s-klub" target="_blank">Click here for other great reasons to join the K Klub.&nbsp;</a></p><p><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/category-root/kahnoisseurs-club-1-year/mpsfi/73680e6f-1761-42a3-981e-d95e1647ae28" target="_blank">Click to Join the K Klub Now!</a><br /><br />So...there are big time advantages to being in the K Klub, especially when it only costs you $10 per person per year</p><p><strong>RSVP to 317-228-9463!</strong></p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:28:00 GMTThe Great ExBeerimenthttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/the-great-exbeeriment
<p><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.5425" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/1a6d2a28-31bb-4f41-9043-01906eab02a1/exbeeriment.jpg" style="width:400px;height:217px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></p><h2><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>Question: </strong></span></h2><p>Can consumers taste the difference between a beer that was refrigerated, returned to room temperature, and then re-refrigerated VS. a beer that was only refrigerated before being served? &nbsp;</p><p><strong>Note:</strong> We&rsquo;ll abbreviate re-refrigerated (RR) for the first storage condition and (R) for the second storage condition for simplicity.</p><h2><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>Our hypothesis:&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><p><strong>Consumers cannot taste the difference.</strong></p><p>With your help, we gathered some data to test this hypothesis. Here&rsquo;s how we did it&hellip;we refrigerated two samples of four different beers: Bell&rsquo;s Kalamazoo Stout, Goose Island Harvest Ale, Triton Railsplitter IPA and Upland Bad Elmer Porter. Then, we removed a sample of each beer and let them warm to room temperature. Finally, we re-refrigerated the beers we removed (RR) and poured them, alongside a sample of each beer that was stored cold only (R), at the School of Beer last Thursday at Kahn&#39;s North Willow.</p><p>Then, we asked customers to taste both beers and to pick the RR beer.&nbsp; What do you think happened?</p><p><strong>Our sample provided us with no reason to reject our initial hypothesis.&nbsp;</strong>Put simply, consumers cannot taste the difference.</p><h2><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>Some interesting things&hellip;</strong></span></h2><p>Overall, consumers correctly identified the RR beer 46% of the time. Of course, that means that consumers incorrectly picked the R beer as the RR beer 54% of the time. Provocative.</p><p>The Triton Railsplitter IPA was the only beer for which consumers correctly identified the RR beer more than half the time (62.5% of the time).&nbsp; For the remaining beers, consumers correctly identified the RR beer less than half the time (Bad Elmer, 47.5%; Bells, 45%; Goose Island, 36%!).</p><p>The Goose Island Harvest Ale was a bit of an enigma. It was the only beer that made us almost have to reject our initial hypothesis. Of the 25 people who sampled the Goose Island Harvest Ale, 16 of them picked the R beer as the RR beer. That means that 64% of people picked the beer they &lsquo;thought&rsquo; would taste differently based on its storage.&nbsp; In fact, had just one person picked differently, we would have had to reject our initial hypothesis. While consumers clearly tasted a difference, they couldn&rsquo;t correctly associate the difference in taste with a particular storage condition.</p><p>Interesting, right?</p><h2><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>The Bottom Line</strong></span></h2><p>Based on our sample, it appears that consumers cannot taste the difference between R beer and RR beer. It is what it is, and now we have a little bit of data to support it.&nbsp; If you&rsquo;re interested, please feel free to look at <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/the-great-exbeeriment-statistics" >how we tested our hypothesis statistically.</a></p><p>It is interesting that more consumers &lsquo;got it right&rsquo; with the IPA. While the results were not significant enough for us to reject our initial hypothesis, it is certainly interesting. Perhaps it&rsquo;s good to keep in mind that hoppy beers like IPAs may taste a little differently if they are subjected to RR conditions.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Some important notes on IPAs and other hoppy beer: </strong></p><ol><li>Refrigerated IPAS have a longer shelf life than IPAs stored at room temperature</li><li>Kahn&rsquo;s Beer Team has your back!&nbsp; We keep a watchful eye on all of the bottled on and best by dates for our IPAs to make sure you always have the freshest beer available</li></ol><p>Ideas for booze myths you&rsquo;d like us to test at one of our events? Email me at <a href="mailto:todd@kahnsfinewines.com?subject=Booze Myths">todd@kahnsfinewines.com</a></p><p>Cheers!</p><p>&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Sat, 29 Sep 2012 10:59:00 GMTOn Wine Ratingshttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/on-wine-ratings
<h2>Wine ratings need an overhaul.</h2><p><a href="http://www.winespectator.com/">Winespectator.com</a>&nbsp; discloses on its <a href="http://www.winespectator.com/display/show/id/tasting-format">Tasting Format</a> page that &lsquo;<em>price is not taken into account in scoring.&rsquo; </em>Similarly, <a href="https://www.erobertparker.com/info/legend.asp">The Wine Advocate&rsquo;s Rating system</a> also admits that &lsquo;<em>neither price nor the reputation of the producer/grower affect the rating in any manner.&rsquo; </em></p><p>Price shouldn&rsquo;t affect a wine&rsquo;s <em>rating</em>; however, price definitely affects what consumers actually buy. Thus, wine rating systems that provide information about wine quality alone (wine ratings) are incomplete. Consumers deserve an unbiased, data-driven rating system that takes ratings AND price into account. Thankfully, the data needed to construct such a system is readily available. We have product ratings from reputable sources like <a href="http://www.winespectator.com/">winespectator.com</a>, <a href="https://www.erobertparker.com/entrance.aspx">erobertparker.com</a> and <a href="http://www.winemag.com/?adid=WENETHP">wineenthusiast.com</a> and we have outstanding average price information from all over the world from the good people at <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/">winesearcher.com</a>.</p><p>Ok, so we&rsquo;ve decided that a system that accounts for ratings and price is a good idea, but is that enough? Not quite. Read on friends&hellip;</p><p>An informal survey of seven of the most experienced Kahn&rsquo;s employees (over 80+ years of experience selling wine, beer and spirits between us, goodness we&rsquo;re old) revealed that most customers first search for varietals or regions they like and then attempt to find the best quality/value combination given what they are willing to pay. &nbsp;We estimate that fewer than 10% of customers look for wines that are 90 pts or better without first considering what they actually like. &nbsp;</p><p>In essence, taste preferences (varietal, region, etc) are sought out, and then customers try to find the highest quality wine given their willingness to pay. Wine ratings play huge role in influencing whether a customer purchases a particular product.</p><p>Therefore, our system can&rsquo;t just account for ratings and price. It must also consider how a wine tastes in relation to other wines in its peer group, be they varietal or region. Essentially, we need to make sure that we&rsquo;re comparing apples to apples; or, 2009 Bordeaux to 2009 Bordeaux, as it were.</p><p>The new system will be helpful because it will help consumers to answer two questions:</p><p><strong>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span style="color:#15335f;">How good is a wine in relation to other wines like it,&nbsp;</span></strong><strong><span style="color:#15335f;">AND</span></strong></p><p><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Given its level of quality is it a good deal?&nbsp;</strong></span></p><p><strong>Introducing Value Based Ratings and Value Based Ratings Symbols.</strong></p><p><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.6503067484662577" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/58d3f09f-6d44-4051-a699-5f2631e054d1/value-based-ratings-graph.jpg" style="width:652px;height:424px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></p><p>As you probably know, Wine Spectator and other wine periodicals most often use a scale that rates wines from zero to 100.&nbsp; To illustrate Value Based Ratings, I utilized Wine Spectator&rsquo;s ratings for 32 2009 Red Rioja wines under $100 a bottle. Ratings ranged from 78 to 92pts, with an average rating of 86. Prices ranged from $10 to $55 a bottle, with an average price of $22.</p><p><strong>Relative performance = Product Rating/Avg. Rating x 100</strong>.&nbsp; One product was rated 87 pts.&nbsp; Its relative performance = 87/86 *100, or 101.&nbsp; Since a score of 100 indicates average performance (an 86 rating), this product is slightly better than average. I plotted all of the 2009 Red Rioja wines from Wine Spectator on the graph with their prices.</p><p>In addition, I plotted a line estimating the relationship between price and relative performance.&nbsp; This line can be used to estimate the fair price for any relative performance position.</p><p><strong>The Bottom line:</strong> If a product&rsquo;s relative performance is on the fair price line, it is priced fairly.&nbsp; If a product&rsquo;s relative performance is below the line, it is priced below the fair price and represents a great value.&nbsp; The best values are the wines that are below the fair price line and above 100 on the relative performance scale (to the right of the blue line at 100 on the graph).</p><h2><strong>Observations&hellip;</strong></h2><p>First, fifteen of the wines in our data sample were overpriced for their average relative performance.&nbsp; Of those fifteen wines, nine were of above average relative performance, and six were worse than average. Over-priced and worse than average quality&hellip;not good. Yikes!&nbsp;</p><p>Second, seventeen of the wines were priced on or below the fair price line&mdash;great news for consumers!&nbsp; Of the seventeen wines on or below the fair price line, ten exhibited average or above average relative performance.&nbsp; That&rsquo;s good.</p><h2><strong>How can this help you make better wine purchase decisions?</strong></h2><p>Imagine going to your favorite wine shop (Kahn&rsquo;s, naturally) and looking at a sign that tells you about a product.&nbsp; The sign will most likely have a price, description, rating and one of the symbols in the table below. All of the symbols are comprised of three things: a. a vertical line (this line designates &lsquo;average&rsquo; quality for products in a given varietal or regional classification; the diagonal fair price line that intersects the vertical line, and the most important part, the ball. The ball indicates the value based rating of a given wine. In essence, the ball tells us how the wine compares to other wines in its peer group in terms of relative quality and price.</p><p><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.6042944785276073" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/c88d8747-3724-4071-89fe-73ad91712fc0/value-based-ratings.jpg" style="width:652px;height:394px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></p><h2><strong>In conclusion</strong></h2><p>Since value is an important part of any purchase decision, it makes sense to have an objective way to guide consumers to wines that offer superior value. Wine periodicals don&rsquo;t factor price into their rating methodology, and that&rsquo;s a good thing. Let wine periodicals rate wines objectively, let the market determine a wine&rsquo;s price and let Value Based Rating symbols guide consumers to wines that offer tremendous value based on a unique combination of relative performance and price.</p><p>What do you think? Email me at <a href="mailto:todd@kahnsfinewines.com?subject=Value Based Ratings">todd@kahnsfinewines.com &nbsp;</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Tue, 18 Sep 2012 03:44:00 GMTSchool of Beer 'Beerocracy' Beer Revealedhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/school-of-beer-event-beerocracy-beer-revealed
<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.6702453987730062" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/0722095a-e5c1-483e-8c70-221875a924f4/headline-2.jpg" style="width:652px;height:437px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><span style="font-size:14px;">Any seasoned Kahn&rsquo;s Beer event attendee will tell you that one of the coolest things about our tastings is the <strong>Beerocracy Drawing. </strong>K-Klub members (only $10/Year!) enter the drawing for the chance to buy select, highly allocated beer from our treasured Beerocracy stockpile. Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, we present the Beerocracy line-up for <strong>School of Beer!</strong></span></p><p align="center"><strong><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.37576687116564417" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/d6594a7c-578f-4adb-9a3d-e8a6f5e465a9/data-and-photo.jpg" style="width:652px;height:245px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Mikkeller/Cigar City Swinging Harry</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Hoppin&rsquo; Frog Barrel Aged Naked Evil</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Goose Island Bourbon County Bramble Rye</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Dilewyn&rsquo;s Vicaris Tripel Gueuze</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Goose Island Bourbon County Stout (2)</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Hebrew Barrel Aged Human Blockhead</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Dark Horse Plead the 5th</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Three Floyds/Mikkeller Boo Goop</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Upland Teddy Bear Kisses</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Drie Fonteinen Oude Gueuze </strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Drie Fonteinen Golden Blend Gueuze</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Founder&rsquo;s Imperial Stout (2)</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Hebrew/Terrapin Reunion Ale&nbsp; </strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;">Cheers,</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:14px;">The Kahn&rsquo;s Fine Wines Beer Team</span></p> (Shilpa Rao)Thu, 13 Sep 2012 11:10:00 GMTKahnversation #2: Bordeaux in the Morninghttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/kahnversation-2-bordeaux-in-the-morning
<p>&nbsp;</p><h2><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="1.3333333333333333" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/2bd5e04b-d934-4ff6-abd0-83be220bddf2/shilpa-at-work.jpg" style="width:300px;height:400px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><strong>Someone&#39;s gotta do it...</strong></h2><p>We believe in living life to the fullest, so from time to time we find that it is appropriate to start off our day with world class claret. Today,&nbsp;we opened four bottles of 2009 Bordeaux and one bottle of 2011 Bordeaux Ros&eacute;. &nbsp;We won&rsquo;t apologize for it; however, we strongly suggest that you start off your day with world class claret sometime soon.</p><p>Since we were tasting these lovely wines anyway, we decided to jot down some notes and share them with you.&nbsp;</p><p>FYI: These wines are open right now, from 12-3 pm on 09/08/12 at Kahn&#39;s North Willow, so please come in and have a taste.</p><h2>Our notes:</h2><h3><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>LE ROS</strong><strong>&Eacute; DE PH</strong><strong>&Eacute;LAN S</strong><strong>&Eacute;GUR 2011</strong></span></h3><p><strong>Phil: </strong>Bright reddish pink color. Crisp and clean floral aromas with undertones of strawberry and cherry.&nbsp; Well-structured palate with cherry and underlying citrus. <strong>90 pts.</strong></p><p><strong>Shilpa: </strong>Ripe strawberries on the nose and a palate of fruit smoothie, banana, kiwi and high, mouth-watering acidity. Refreshing and fruity. <strong>90 pts.</strong></p><p><strong>Todd: </strong>Carbonic maceration-like nose filled with banana, cherry and strawberry. The palate is fruity, and crisp. <strong>88 pts</strong></p><h3><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>MALORM</strong><strong>&Eacute; CUV</strong><strong>&Eacute;E AD</strong><strong>&Egrave;LE DE TOULOUSE-LAUTREC, BORDEAUX SUP</strong><strong>&Eacute;RIEUR 2009 </strong></span></h3><p><strong>Phil: </strong>Classic Bordeaux nose&mdash;quite expressive for a young wine. Currants and dark berries with some undertones of leather. Medium-bodied palate, somewhat lacking in fruit expression. Tannins not harsh, but not integrated&mdash;still berry and currant fruit with a hint of bell pepper mid-palate. <strong>87 pts.</strong></p><p><strong>Shilpa: </strong>Light berries on the nose. Thin, with cherry, berry, then tannin. <strong>85 pts.</strong></p><p><strong>Todd: </strong>Weedy, herby (thyme?) nose with pipe tobacco, cherry and soft round spiced cherry and black currant notes. Pretty good for the money. <strong>87 pts.</strong></p><h3><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.75" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/91a06b69-64c6-4d97-a43d-f450fc04bf02/bordeaux-nw-for-blog.jpg" style="width:300px;height:225px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" />L&rsquo;ESTANG, CASTILLON-C</strong><strong>&Ocirc;TES DE BORDEAUX 2009</strong></span></h3><p><strong>Phil: </strong>Very shy, with a hint of red fruit with some glycerol notes. Red berries on the palate with balanced acidity and slight tannins.&nbsp; Pleasant early drinker. <strong>86 pts. </strong></p><p><strong>Shilpa: </strong>Dense crushed blackberry nose (humid/sticky) Medium acidity and tannin with blueberry flavors that drop off and are replaced by tannin. <strong>92 pts. </strong></p><p><strong>Todd: </strong>A cooling minty, menthol sensation on the nose. High acid, ripe tannin with blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and a whiff of leather. <strong>87 pts.</strong></p><h3><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>MOULIN HAUT-LAROQUE, FRONSAC 2009</strong></span></h3><p><strong>Phil: </strong>Darky ruby colored with good density. Expressive with a classic nose of dark berry and currant. This is a very pure expression of young Bordeaux with a long finish and well-integrated flavors. Maybe 5 years to peak. <strong>91 pts. </strong></p><p><strong>Shilpa: </strong>Spicy, pepper, thyme, and big-time mint. Refreshing palate of mint, blueberry, blackberry and raspberry. <strong>93 pts.</strong></p><p><strong>Todd: </strong>Gorgeous color. Serious aromas of crushed earth and rose petals leap from the glass. Huge, spicy cherry flavors with suggestions of tree bark, potting soil and mint. Wonderfully complex with currants and focused red berry fruits.&nbsp; A beauty. <strong>91 pts. </strong></p><h3><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>CLOS LUNELLES, CASTILLON-C</strong><strong>&Ocirc;TES DE BORDEAUX 2009</strong></span></h3><p><strong>Phil: </strong>Dark ruby colored, with excellent density. A bit shy, with inviting berry with a hint of straw and slight dustiness, some secondary spice and eucalyptus. Tannins to the forefront with a sweet, dark berry core. Still needs time. Best in 10 years <strong>90 pts. </strong></p><p><strong>Shilpa: </strong>Dense crushed blueberry and blackberry, &nbsp;freshly picked mint and tilled soil. Dark chocolate covered blackberries and tannic structure like the blueprints to the Empire State building. <strong>94 pts. </strong></p><p><strong>Todd: </strong>Inky. Fleshy and certainly some oak on the nose. Lots of complexity here with savory and roasted meat notes, crushed mineral, earth, tobacco and cigar aromas. Big fruits of cherry, black raspberry, currants and chalk with great acid and the tannin to let this bad boy age gracefully for 10-15 years. <strong>91+ pts.</strong></p><p>That&rsquo;s all, folks.&nbsp; We certainly invite you to come in and join us today.&nbsp; These wines were tasted at Kahn&rsquo;s Fine Wines North Willow.&nbsp; All of our stores have Bordeaux open, but they might not have these.</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Sat, 08 Sep 2012 07:04:00 GMTKahnversation #1: Blind Whiskey Tastinghttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/kahnversation-1-blind-whiskey-tasting
<p><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.7525083612040134" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/f9a627fc-7aeb-4568-827f-3164dbc14fd5/whiskey-tasting-annie-perga.jpg" style="width:299px;height:225px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" />The words blind and tasting, when uttered together, have been known to strike fear in the hearts of so-called wine, beer or spirits &lsquo;experts.&rsquo; Friends, it is not the &lsquo;tasting&rsquo; part of &lsquo;blind tasting&rsquo; that causes their knees to knock.&nbsp; It is the fear of public humiliation, of being thought a phony or worse, of being labeled &lsquo;all talk; no palate.&rsquo; Gasp.</p><p>Last Tuesday, Beer Manager Shilpa Rao poured three whiskies and said &ldquo;let&rsquo;s see if you can guess what these are.&rdquo; My heart leapt as a realized what was happening. I was certain I would blow it. I could almost hear her whisper: <em>&ldquo;all talk, no palate&rdquo;</em> as she reviewed my bone-headed responses.&nbsp; She&rsquo;d tell everyone. Would my coworkers, customers and friends chant the words in unison? Would they invite my family as well? &nbsp;</p><p>But the glasses remained, and I&rsquo;ve never shied away from a challenge.I decided to give it a shot. Pun intended.</p><p>My goal:Use my sense of sight, smell and taste to&hellip;</p><ol><li><strong>Identify each whisky&rsquo;s style</strong></li><li><strong>Identify each whiskey&rsquo;s country of origin</strong></li><li><strong>Identify each whiskey by product name, if possible.</strong></li></ol><p>I&rsquo;ll be honest; this isn&rsquo;t my first sock hop. I&rsquo;m not saying I&rsquo;m a blind tasting pro, but I&rsquo;ve done it enough to know that I (and you) need a plan.&nbsp; So, here&rsquo;s the simple method I use when I blind taste. This is not THE way, but it&rsquo;s my way.&nbsp;</p><h2><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>Todd&rsquo;s Blind Tasting Survival Guide:</strong></span></h2><p>I take extensive notes, writing down every flavor and aroma that I encounter. This is particularly useful when I&rsquo;ve narrowed down my guess to two similar styles.&nbsp; For example, Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey have a lot in common, but there might be a particular flavor descriptor that helps me to pick one over the other.</p><p><strong>Color.&nbsp; </strong>I look for visual cues and identify the color.&nbsp; Is it light, dark, or somewhere in the middle? Is the color consistent from the middle to the edge of the glass?</p><p><strong>Aroma and Taste. </strong>Here&rsquo;s the fun part. First, I take a big whiff because sometimes an answer will just pop into my head. For example, I drink more than my fair share of Gewurztraminer and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and I can usually identify them in blind tastings. Even if I&rsquo;m pretty sure I know the answer from the first whiff, I try not to get cocky. It&rsquo;s difficult. &nbsp;I continue to work my way through my process, because more evidence can transform good guesses into great guesses. &nbsp;</p><p>After the initial sniff, I smell again (and then taste) and I look for the following:</p><ol style=""><li><strong>FFH: </strong>Fruit, Floral, Herb (and Spice)&nbsp;</li><li><strong>E: </strong>Earth</li><li><strong>W: </strong>Wood</li><li><strong>A: </strong>Acid</li></ol><p>I spend lots of time evaluating aroma and taste, especially if it&rsquo;s good. I might as well enjoy it, right? &nbsp;If there&rsquo;s an unfamiliar flavor or aroma, I take extra time to try and figure it out. More often than not, those unfamiliar flavors are the key.</p><p><strong>Finish. </strong>I pay close attention to finish because it is a great indicator of overall product quality.&nbsp; World-class products usually reveal additional complexity on the finish.</p><p><strong>Conclusion. </strong>After I&rsquo;ve taken it all in, I compare my observations with what I know and I ask myself questions like: &ldquo;Of the whiskies I know, which whiskey has flavor descriptions and aromatics most similar to this whiskey?&rdquo; Sometimes, the answer is easy, but more often I&rsquo;ll be able to narrow it down to two or three choices. Then, I narrow it down further based on the &lsquo;tricky&rsquo; and distinctive flavors/aromas and finally, I make an educated guess.</p><p>So here&rsquo;s how I applied my method to the three challenges before me.</p><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="width:74px;"><p align="center">Product</p></td><td style="width:70px;"><p align="center">Initial Guess?</p></td><td style="width:69px;"><p align="center">Color</p></td><td style="width:79px;"><p align="center">FFH</p></td><td style="width:70px;"><p align="center">Earth</p></td><td style="width:80px;"><p align="center">Wood</p></td><td style="width:73px;"><p align="center">Acid</p></td><td style="width:51px;"><p align="center">Finish</p></td><td style="width:77px;"><p align="center">Final Guess</p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74px;"><p align="center">1</p></td><td style="width:70px;"><p align="center">Bourbon</p></td><td style="width:69px;"><p align="center">Gold amber</p></td><td style="width:79px;"><p align="center">Rye! Spice, pepper, Black tea? Something sweet?</p></td><td style="width:70px;"><p align="center">Fresh cut grass, spiced grass</p></td><td style="width:80px;"><p align="center">Woodsy, Vanilla, Caramel</p></td><td style="width:73px;"><p align="center">Low</p></td><td style="width:51px;"><p align="center">Crisp, light</p></td><td style="width:77px;"><p align="center">Basil Hayden</p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74px;"><p align="center">2</p></td><td style="width:70px;"><p align="center">Islay Single Malt, Absolutely delicious</p></td><td style="width:69px;"><p align="center">Deep, Rich amber</p></td><td style="width:79px;"><p align="center">Rich cereal notes, barley, Complex</p></td><td style="width:70px;"><p align="center">Smoky, Lots of peat</p></td><td style="width:80px;"><p align="center">Cinnamon?, Hard to tell&hellip;</p></td><td style="width:73px;"><p align="center">Medium</p></td><td style="width:51px;"><p align="center">Long, complex</p></td><td style="width:77px;"><p align="center">Maybe, not an Islay&hellip;Jura Prophecy Single Malt</p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74px;"><p align="center">3</p></td><td style="width:70px;"><p align="center">Bourbon or Rye</p></td><td style="width:69px;"><p align="center">Amber</p></td><td style="width:79px;"><p align="center">Spice again, not as spicy as #1 though, Lots of apple</p></td><td style="width:70px;"><p align="center">Not a lot of earthy notes here</p></td><td style="width:80px;"><p align="center">Vanilla, Caramel, nutty</p></td><td style="width:73px;"><p align="center">Low</p></td><td style="width:51px;"><p align="center">Nuts, not too complex</p></td><td style="width:77px;"><p align="center">Jim Beam Bourbon or maybe Jim Beam Rye</p></td></tr></tbody></table><h2><span style="color:#15335f;">What was Really in the Glass...<img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.7525083612040134" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/bb635095-ac1a-41cf-abb6-ddecf32a8f25/whiskey-reveal-hagrid-perga.jpg" style="width:299px;height:225px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></span></h2><p><strong>1.</strong><strong>Basil Hayden Bourbon.&nbsp; </strong>Nailed it, but every dog has his day, right?&nbsp; All of that rye on the nose was what tipped me off. &nbsp;Basil Hayden has a lot of rye in it, so that&rsquo;s why I guessed it.</p><p><strong>2.</strong><strong>Johnnie Walker Swing Blended Scotch. </strong>Had the right country here, but my guess was a Single Malt instead of a blend. Booo!&nbsp; I guessed Jura Prophecy (from the Island of Jura), because it has rich cereal notes, peat and lots of complexity.&nbsp; Johnnie Walker&rsquo;s Swing is a blend that contains whiskies from Speyside, Highlands, and Islay. I have to admit, I didn&rsquo;t even consider a blend, and that&rsquo;s bad. I have to tell you though&hellip;<strong>Johnnie Walker Swing is an absolute rockstar. &nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;<strong>You have to try it!</strong></p><p><strong>3.</strong><strong>Knob Creek Bourbon. </strong>Knob Creek is made by Jim Beam, so I&rsquo;m OK with my guess.&nbsp; Knob Creek is known for its fruitiness (the apple I identified).&nbsp; I would say Knob Creek showed the worst of the three whiskies, so that&rsquo;s why I guessed Jim Beam, a whiskey of lesser quality.&nbsp; I should have been able to tie the fruity quality to Knob Creek, and I should have paid more attention to the length of the finish as Jim Beam finishes shorter than Knob Creek.&nbsp; I also think Knob Creek wasn&rsquo;t given a fair shot because I couldn&rsquo;t stop thinking about how delicious the Johnnie Walker Swing was.&nbsp; Sorry, Knob Creek.&nbsp;</p><h2><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>What I Learned</strong></span></h2><p><strong>From Johnnie Walker Swing. I</strong> need to spend some time with blended Scotch whiskies.&nbsp; What makes Johnnie Walker Swing different from Johnnie Blue, Chivas Regal and Dewars?&nbsp; I know that they taste different, but I need to know why&hellip;. When I taste, I need to get more detailed and don&rsquo;t assume I have the answer when I taste something familiar. Familiarity mixed with ego is a trap in blind tasting.&nbsp; Don&rsquo;t fall for it!&nbsp; When I know it&rsquo;s a Scotch, I need to make sure that the regional descriptors are loud and clear, and if not, keep working through it, because it might be a blend.</p><p><strong>From Knob Creek. </strong>I need to pay attention to finish!&nbsp; The finish on the bourbon I tasted was not that of an entry-level bourbon like Jim Beam.&nbsp; I also need to pay particular attention to those unique flavor descriptors (apple), it would have helped me here.</p><h2><strong style="color: rgb(21, 51, 95); ">Want to test your skills?</strong></h2><p>Have a friend brown bag a couple of bottles of wine, beer or spirits and then try to identify a. style or varietal, b. country of origin, c. vintage (if applicable) and d. product name if possible.&nbsp;</p><p>Better yet, have Kahn&rsquo;s help!&nbsp; Come in, give us your budget and the number of bottles you want to purchase and we&rsquo;ll pick your wine, beer or spirits for you.&nbsp; We&rsquo;ll even brown bag the bottles and open them if you would like (so you aren&rsquo;t tipped off by the foil)!</p><p>No matter what, make sure to have fun with it! Invite friends over, have prizes, and try new products.&nbsp; You&rsquo;ll have a blast and you&rsquo;ll learn a lot.</p><p>Want help planning your next tasting? Email me: <a href="mailto:todd@kahnsfinewines.com?subject=Help me">todd@kahnsfinewines.com</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Fri, 31 Aug 2012 17:17:00 GMT2011 Bordeaux Futures Released!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/2011-bordeaux-futures-released
<p><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.7530120481927711" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/a0dfd0f2-8d44-484d-b79f-03d5ba56ffd4/lafite.jpg" style="width:332px;height:250px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></p><h2><span style="color:#15335f;">Some thoughts by Kahn&#39;s owner, Jim Arnold: </span></h2><p>This is a good vintage, though not the blockbuster vintage of 2009 or 2010.&nbsp; This is a Drinker&#39;s Vintage, not necessarily an Investors vintage. Robert Parker&#39;s (RP) and Wine Spectator&#39;s (WS) barrel tasting reviews are out and are very consistant with eachother.&nbsp; They both said is that the prices must come down dramatically in order to interest the American market into buying Futures.&nbsp; Well, I think the Bordelais listened and below you will find many offerings at HALF PRICE versus their previous two vintages.&nbsp; This excites me...because I am a &quot;Drinker&quot; and I love great Bordeaux.&nbsp;&nbsp; In fact, in general, I prefer the &quot;off vintages&quot; to the great ones, as they always come around more quickly and have and elegance that sometimes the huge vintages do not. Something we are doing this year that is different than the past...we are offering Quarter Case (3 bottle) prices on all wines.&nbsp; We want to encourage YOU to try Bordeaux.&nbsp; Maybe you mix 3 bottles of 2, 4, or 8&nbsp; properties, and have a wonderful selection of beautiful reds to drink over the next 15-20 years.&nbsp; Learning, tasting, and watching the wines develope over time.&nbsp;&nbsp; Kahn&#39;s shops the open market and only buys the best properties available.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So let me ask you...would you rather buy a wine from a great vintage, that received a 93 Rating, costs $75, and you should wait 10 years to drink it...or...would you rather buy a vintage like 2011, that received a 91 Rating, costs only $39, and you can drink it much sooner, say 3-5 years?&nbsp; I know the answer to that question for myself...Sign me up for 2011!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jim Arnold</p><h2><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/0a8df736-f42c-47fd-afb8-ba4b41e89395/2011-bordeaux-futures-2.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color:#15335f;">Download the pdf of our 2011 Bordeaux Futures Offering!</span></a></h2><p><span style="color:#15335f;">I</span>f you have any questions, please call 317-251-9463 and ask to speak to Will.</p><p>&nbsp;</p> (Jim Arnold)Tue, 29 May 2012 08:37:00 GMTBeerocracy II: The Wrath of Kahn'shttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/beerocracy-ii-the-wrath-of-kahn-s
<p><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="1.1784232365145229" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/4ef586e9-686c-473a-99c4-90cde7b885e4/wrath-of-kahns-ad.png" style="width:241px;height:284px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></p><p><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/93c93096-f527-4a3b-8332-2c9a7310e73b/beerocracy-ii-wrath-of-kahns-tables.pdf" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#15335f;"><span style="font-size: 16px; ">Download the Wrath of Kahn&#39;s tasting sheet here!</span></span></strong></a></p><p>By now, many of you are aware that beer lovers join the Kahnoisseur&rsquo;s Klub for the Beerocracy benefit.&nbsp; If you&#39;re unfamiliar, Beerocracy is a raffle that is held at all Kahn&rsquo;s beer events and allows K Klub members the chance to buy rare and highly sought-after beers. &nbsp;When we say rare and highly sought-after beers, we mean it.&nbsp; Recent Beerocracy winners purchased: Cantillon Fou&rsquo;foune Apricot Lambic, Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout, Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout, Founders Curmudgeon&rsquo;s Better Half, Founders Blushing Monk, Founders Nemesis, Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, Goose Island Bourbon County Bramble, Goose Island Bourbon County Coffee, Dogfish Head My Antonia, Birra del Borgo Ducchesic, Three Floyds Behemoth, Victory Dark Intrigue and more&hellip;</p><p>You get the idea.&nbsp;</p><p>Normally, the chance of winning decreases as the number of K Klub members at a Beerocracy raffle increases. The Wrath of Kahn&rsquo;s is going to turn the tables on that. For the Wrath of Kahn&rsquo;s tasting, the more people in attendance, the better your chance of winning...Not only that, as we increase the number of beers, we&#39;ll also release BETTER beers to be in the raffle. &nbsp;So, not only does the quantity of beer increase, but the quality does too!</p><h2>Here&rsquo;s how it works:</h2><p><strong>50 attendees</strong> = 10 beers for the Beerocracy raffle.&nbsp; If all of those people are K Klub members, then at worst, K Klub members have a 1 in 5 chance of winning.</p><p><strong>100 attendees</strong> = 25 beers for the Beerocracy raffle.&nbsp; If all of those attendees are K Klub members, then at worst, K Klub members have a 1 in 4 chance of winning.</p><p><strong>150+ attendees</strong> = 50 beers for the Beerocracy raffle!&nbsp; If all attendees are K Klub members, then at worst, K Klub members have a 1 in 3 chance of winning.</p><p>Winner&rsquo;s names will be removed from the raffle BUT they will be asked if they want to enter round 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We will sell every Beerocracy beer that we can without replacing winning tickets...so as you guessed, your odds continue to improve as round 1 progresses. &nbsp;If we cannot sell all of the beers available, we will replace the winning tickets that wanted to be in round 2 and begin drawing again.&nbsp; This process will continue until all Beerocracy beers are sold or until no one wants to buy.&nbsp;</p><p>Here&rsquo;s a handy chart that might help&hellip;</p><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 640px; "><tbody><tr><td style="width:99px;"><p align="center"><strong># in Attendance</strong></p></td><td style="width:101px;"><p align="center"><strong># of Beerocracy </strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Beers</strong></p></td><td style="width:162px;"><p align="center"><strong>Worse Case K Klub Member </strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Odds of Winning</strong></p></td><td style="width:211px;"><p align="center"><strong>Key Beers</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:99px;"><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:24px;">50</span></strong></p></td><td style="width:101px;"><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:24px;">10</span></strong></p></td><td style="width:162px;"><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:24px;">1:5</span></strong></p></td><td style="width:211px;"><p align="center">1 Founders KBS,&nbsp;2 Founders Imperial Stout,&nbsp;1 Founders Old Curmudgeon,&nbsp;2 GI Bourbon County,&nbsp;1 Upland Gilgamesh,&nbsp;1 Dogfish Head Raison d&rsquo;Extra,&nbsp;1 3Floyds/Mikkeller BooGoop1 Sun King Wee Muckle</p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:99px;"><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:22px;">100</span></strong></p></td><td style="width:101px;"><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:22px;">25</span></strong></p></td><td style="width:162px;"><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:22px;">1:4</span></strong></p></td><td style="width:211px;"><p align="center">2 Founders KBS,&nbsp;4 Founders Imperial Stout,&nbsp;2 Founders Old Curmudgeon,&nbsp;4 GI Bourbon County,&nbsp;1 GI BCS Bramble,&nbsp;1 GI Juliet,&nbsp;2 Upland Gilgamesh,&nbsp;1 Dogfish Head Raison d&rsquo;Extra,&nbsp;1 3Floyds/Mikkeller BooGoop,&nbsp;1 Sun King Wee Muckle,&nbsp;1 Mikkeller TX Ranger BA Porter,&nbsp;2 Mikkeller Brunch Cognac,&nbsp;1 Jolly Pumpkin IO Saison,&nbsp;1 Stone Lucky Bastard,&nbsp;1 Bell&rsquo;s Expedition Stout</p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:99px;"><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:22px;">150</span></strong></p></td><td style="width:101px;"><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:22px;">50</span></strong></p></td><td style="width:162px;"><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:22px;">1:3</span></strong></p></td><td style="width:211px;"><p align="center">6 Founders KBS,&nbsp;6 Founders Imperial Stout,&nbsp;4 Founders Old Curmudgeon,&nbsp;1 Founders Backwoods Bastard,&nbsp;6 GI Bourbon County,&nbsp;1 GI BCS Bramble,&nbsp;1 GI BCS Coffee,&nbsp;2 GI Juliet,&nbsp;2 Upland Gilgamesh,&nbsp;1 Cantillon Classic Gueuze,&nbsp;1 Dogfish Head Raison d&rsquo;Extra,&nbsp;2 3Floyds/Mikkeller BooGoop,&nbsp;1 3Floyds Alpha Klaus,&nbsp;1 3Floyds Behemoth,&nbsp;2 Sun King Wee Muckle,&nbsp;1 Mikkeller TX Ranger BA Porter,&nbsp;2 Mikkeller Brunch Cognac,&nbsp;2 Jolly Pumpkin IO Saison,&nbsp;1 The Bruery 3 French Hens,&nbsp;1 Stone Lucky Bastard,&nbsp;1 Drie Fonteinen Oude Gueuze,&nbsp;&nbsp;Dark Horse Plead the 5th,&nbsp;1 Bell&rsquo;s Batch 10k,&nbsp;3 Bell&rsquo;s Expedition Stout</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><span style="color:#15335f;">The Wrath of Kahn&rsquo;s Event Details:</span><br />Where: &nbsp; Kahn&rsquo;s Fine Wines North Willow<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2342 W. 86<sup>th</sup> St<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Indianapolis, IN</h2><h2>When:&nbsp; Tasting 6-8p, Thursday, June 7<sup>th</sup><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Raffle starts at 6:45p*</h2><h2><span style="color:#15335f;">RSVP to 317-228-9463. Let us know if you have any questions.&nbsp; We&#39;re happy to help.</span></h2><p><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Tue, 15 May 2012 17:53:00 GMTThe Ten Worst Mother's Day Gifts of All Timehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/the-ten-worst-mother-s-day-gifts-of-all-time
<p><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">Giving the right Mother&rsquo;s Day gift is important.</span></strong> </span><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="1.1784232365145229" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/cf4c0848-986e-47ec-ad4f-94ee3a306769/mother-s-day-ad.png" style="width:241px;height:284px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></p><p>A Great Mother&#39;s Day Gift should communicate &lsquo;I love you&rsquo; and &lsquo;thank you&rsquo; without being mundane.&nbsp; As simple as that sounds, finding or creating a Great Mother&#39;s Day gift is far from easy.&nbsp; In fact, some people spend tremendous amounts of time and money to make sure that Mother&rsquo;s Day goes off without a hitch.&nbsp; The gift, the restaurant, and the entire experience are planned with a feverish attention to detail, and if everything goes precisely to plan, then mom will be in for an unforgettable day.</p><p>Unfortunately, no matter how careful and diligent the planner, &ldquo;even the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.&rdquo; &nbsp;Sometimes the Mother&rsquo;s Day train derails from poor execution or plain ol&rsquo; bad luck and sometimes the gift is just wrong. The road to disastrous Mother&rsquo;s Days from years past is paved with the remnants of these ill-fated, sad, plans gone awry. Remember, we must learn from history, or we are doomed to repeat it, and with that in mind, we present the Ten Worst Mother&rsquo;s Day Gifts of all time.&nbsp; Here they are:</p><p><strong>The Ten Worst Mother&rsquo;s Day Gifts of All Time </strong></p><ol><li>A copy of <em>Momma Trauma: Why I am the Way I Am,</em> an autobiography of your troubled childhood.</li><li>Five incontinent puppies</li><li>Your childhood scab collection</li><li>A Macaroni collage of various low cost assisted living communities</li><li>Vacuum cleaner</li><li>Assorted Tube tops AND a Diet Book</li><li>A homemade perfume made from Sauerkraut and Horseradish</li><li>A t-shirt that says &ldquo;Childbirth: not <em>that </em>hard&rdquo;</li><li>A duffle bag full of your dirty laundry with a note that says: &ldquo;you know what to do with this.&rdquo;</li><li>Novelty mug that says &ldquo;World&rsquo;s ____ Mom.&rdquo; and a dry erase marker.&nbsp; Tell her that you fill in the blank depending on your mood.</li></ol><p>If you&rsquo;re really committed to showing off what a terrific author you are, then by all means, give the woman who brought you into this world her own, personally-signed copy of <em>Momma Trauma</em>.&nbsp; If you&rsquo;ve never heard the phrase, &ldquo;I brought you into this world and I can take you out,&rdquo; then get ready, because we&rsquo;re pretty sure you&rsquo;ll hear it soon enough.</p><p>However, if you&rsquo;re looking for a Great Mother&rsquo;s Day gift, then check out <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/mothers-day-gift-baskets" >Kahn&rsquo;s Mother&#39;s Day Gift Baskets.</a></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#84002f;">Make May 13, 2012 the best Mother&rsquo;s Day yet.&nbsp; </span></span></strong></p><p><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">Mom&rsquo;s worth it.</span></strong></span></p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:07:00 GMTA New Wine Adventure Every Monthhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/a-new-wine-adventure-every-month
<p><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.884272997032641" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/5fe1b7e3-224e-44e0-8c4a-eca9918a0564/wine-of-the-month.jpg" style="width:337px;height:298px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></p><h2><span style="color:#15335f;">The Kahn&rsquo;s Wine of the Month Club takes you on a new wine adventure every month. </span>&nbsp;</h2><p>Our club features high quality, competitively-priced wines from around the world.&nbsp; If we&rsquo;ve learned anything from being in the wine business, it&rsquo;s that there&rsquo;s always great wine out there; you just have to know where to find it. &nbsp;With our club, you&rsquo;re not &lsquo;stuck&rsquo; on a specific wine, winemaking style or region and you&rsquo;re never punished with an inferior wine from a poor vintage.&nbsp; In fact, the Kahn&rsquo;s Wine of the Month Club is structured so that you will always get the best wines at the best prices, no matter what club level you join.</p><p>In addition, Kahn&rsquo;s Wine of the Month club gives members a distinct buying advantage.&nbsp; Wine-club customers can purchase the club wines all month at 10% off the everyday Kahn&rsquo;s price.&nbsp; &nbsp;Other customers won&rsquo;t even know that the wine is 10% off!&nbsp; Finally, you may cancel your membership without penalty at any time, but we don&rsquo;t think you&rsquo;ll want to.&nbsp; We intend on choosing wines that make you look forward to what&rsquo;s in store for next month.</p><p>Our wine club has three different levels that are tailored to meet your unique needs.</p><p><strong>Collector: </strong>$100 per month gets you two to three wines that 90+ rated from <em>Wine Spectator</em>, <em>Wine Advocate</em> and/or <em>Wine Enthusiast</em>.&nbsp; Collector-level wines guarantee Oohs and Ahs from friends.&nbsp; They might even wonder how you acquired such highly sought-after wine treasure.</p><p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Buy this if:</strong></p><ol><li style="text-align: left; "><strong>​</strong>You love &lsquo;cult&rsquo; wines, but have trouble finding the time to keep up with the latest wine trends.&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align: left; ">You love trying new things and value the opinions of wine experts from Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.</li><li style="text-align: left; ">You&rsquo;re looking for a wine store to help you find great wines outside the regions from which you normally buy.</li><li style="text-align: left; ">You like getting a great deal.</li></ol><p><strong>90+ Under $20: </strong>$70 per month gets you two red wines and two white wines rated 90+ pts, are highly recommended by Kahn&rsquo;s tasting panel, AND cost under $20 a bottle</p><p><strong>Buy this if:</strong></p><ol><li>&nbsp;Wine is a regular part of your life, i.e. you have wine with dinner at least once a week.</li><li>You love to try wines from different regions.</li><li>You are looking to expand your knowledge of wine and like recommendations from the Kahn&rsquo;s tasting panel&nbsp;and experts from wine industry periodicals</li><li>You like both white and red wines.</li></ol><p><strong>Tasters: </strong>$30 per month gets you one red wine and one white wine.&nbsp; You may opt for all red or all white.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Buy this if:</strong></p><ol><li>You&rsquo;re looking to expand your wine knowledge, but don&rsquo;t know where to start.</li><li>You&rsquo;re ready to try new things.</li><li>You&rsquo;ve had great experience with Kahn&rsquo;s staffers&rsquo; recommendations.</li><li>You want to learn a lot about wine, while you stay in budget.</li></ol><h2 style="text-align: center; ">&nbsp;</h2><h2 style="text-align: center; "><span style="color:#15335f;">Start Your Monthly Wine Adventure Today.</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center; ">Call 317-228-9463&nbsp;</h2><p>&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:10:00 GMTBring the Noise, Drink the Funk...http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/bring-the-noise-drink-the-funk
<p><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="1" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/1d1d58f3-ba29-4eb1-b89a-aaf4fd43ba8e/drink-the-funk.jpg" style="width:235px;height:235px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></p><h1><span style="color:#15335f;">Bring the Noise : Drink the Funk!</span></h1><p>Sours are by no means new, but they seem to be the beer world&rsquo;s (current) final frontier. First light lagers, then wheats. After that some folks jump into the Belgians. Some opt for pales and India pales, or browns, porters and stouts. Then usually it&rsquo;s at this point people reach the end of the road and start to look around. What&rsquo;s left to explore? Sours, baby!</p><p>So, what the heck&hellip; let&rsquo;s explore the world of sour beer and listen to funk music! From the mouth-puckering extremes to sweet/sour fruit-forward favorites to light, dry, crisp summertime thirst quenchers&hellip; &nbsp;We are set to run the gamut of what wild ales have to offer. Whether you are hip to this genre of the world&rsquo;s greatest beverage or not, I have no doubt we will have something open at this tasting you will like&hellip; love&hellip; and most likely, CRAVE!</p><p>*Warning: I&rsquo;m not kidding. Sours might be the most dangerously addictive branch of beer&rsquo;s family tree. &lsquo;Sour&rsquo; isn&rsquo;t necessarily the most appetizing word. Brewers risk (and suffer through) full blown wild yeast/bacteria contaminations to make these beers that can take years of attention and aging to mature. And consumers spend significant amounts of money on these heartburn inducing treats. Despite all that, it&rsquo;s a surprisingly successful business model.</p><p>In addition to the diverse range of offerings open for sampling, Drink the Funk will also include a very special Beerocracy Raffle! The rights to buy some of the rarest sour treats will be up for grabs. The raffle roster will feature offerings from: Cantillon (arguably the greatest sour/lambic producer), Drie Fonteinen, Upland (Indiana&rsquo;s own world class sour brewer) &amp; more!</p><p><strong>List of breweries being sampled</strong>: Jolly Pumpkin, Upland, Bell&#39;s, Lindemans, Liefmans, Goose Island, Fantome, The Bruery, Verhaeghe, Ichtegems, BFM, Van Steenberge, Anchorage &amp; more!</p><p style="text-align: left; ">To recap: Sours are good. Come try a bunch of them!</p><p style="text-align: left; ">Bring the Noise : Drink the Funk!</p><p style="text-align: left; ">Thursday, April 26, 6-8p</p><p style="text-align: left; ">Kahn&rsquo;s North Willow<br />2342 W 86<sup>th</sup> St<br />Indianapolis, IN 46260</p><h2 style="text-align: left; ">RSVP: 317-228-9463</h2> (Kyle Kaufman)Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:51:00 GMTGrand Tour of France Wrap-uphttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/grand-tour-of-france-wrap-up
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.6716417910447762" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/a996ea92-b0a5-4e08-8484-fe05f7b258b2/north-willow.jpg" style="width:335px;height:225px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><span style="color:#15335f;">Members-only events are the best reason to join the Kahnoisseur&#39;s Klub.</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;">On March 29, Kahnoisser&rsquo;s Klub members were treated to the Grand Tour of France, a FREE tasting that featured wines, beer and spirits from France&rsquo;s most famous regions.&nbsp; K Klubbers had the opportunity to sample nine Bordeaux wines, and were introduced to the famous 2009 vintage with <strong>Chateau Bellisle Mondotte, St. Emilion Grand Cru 2009</strong>.&nbsp; The Bellisle Mondotte represented the much-anticipated 2009 vintage well, boasting aromas of black raspberry, black cherry and earth along with a complex palate, ripe tannins and refreshing acidity.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">K Klub members tasted five wines from Alsace, a region known for its world-class single varietal white wines.&nbsp; The unlikely, but clear star was the <strong>Rene Mur</strong><strong>&eacute; Clos St. Landelin Pinot Gris 2003.&nbsp; </strong>Exotic floral aromas leapt from the glass and mingled with a rich, honeyed palate that was surprisingly fresh for a nine year old Pinot Gris!&nbsp; It was a rare treat for Alsace wine lovers and everyone else.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Our Champagne table featured four outstanding Grower Champagnes, called so because the grape grower and the winemaker are one in the same.&nbsp; All four Grower Champagnes tasted were dazzling, but the clear favorite was the <strong>Ren</strong><strong>&eacute; Geoffroy Brut Expression</strong>.&nbsp; The word enchanting is not adequate to describe it.&nbsp; Tastes of lemon curd, quince, and fresh bread accompanied loads of minerality, and great acidity to make this <strong>&lsquo;farm fizz&rsquo; </strong>absolutely irresistible.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And then there was Burgundy&hellip;lots of it.&nbsp; An entire table was dedicated to <strong>Joseph Drouhin</strong>, a second table featured the wines of <strong>Louis Jadot,</strong> and the final table showcased boutique producers.&nbsp; &nbsp;There were lots of great wines, but perhaps the most memorable red was the <strong>Lecheneaut Morey St. Denis 2007</strong>, a scrumptious beauty with pure cherry fruit, earth, mineral and an enticing nose of violets.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The <strong>Cordier Pouilly Fuisse Rare 2006</strong>, a Chardonnay-based white Burgundy, was simply one of the finest Pouilly Fuisses we&rsquo;ve encountered.&nbsp; It was rich and complex beyond comparison with honey, butter, a touch of spice and ample orchard fruits on a solid frame of acidity. &nbsp;An absolute wine treasure.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">From there, tasters toured the Rhone and the South of France, encountering the wines of <strong>Chateau de Nages</strong>.&nbsp; The reserve white, the reserve red, the VV red and the <strong>Les Piliers Syrah</strong> were purchased frequently, as tasters continued to remark how outstanding they tasted for the price.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Finally, K Klub members were treated to six beers and six brandies.&nbsp; The <strong>Etienne Dupont Bouche Cidre</strong> and the <strong>Castelian St. Amand French Country Ale</strong> were clear favorites among the beer loving members in attendance.&nbsp; The brandy lovers in the K Klub were treated to VS and VSOP Cognacs and Armagnacs from <strong>Monnet, Lucien, Chabot, and Sempe </strong>as well as a surprising value-priced Calvados (apple brandy) from <strong>Calvaclub</strong>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Remember, we only promoted the Grand Tour of France to K Klub members, so join the K Klub today to make sure you don&#39;t miss the next great event!</p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#84002f;"><strong>Don&#39;t miss the next great event.</strong></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(21, 51, 95);"><strong>Join the Kahnoisseur&rsquo;s Klub today for just $10 per person/per year.</strong></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/why-you-should-join-the-kahnoisseur-s-klub" target="">Check out other K Klub member benefits.</a></h2><h1 align="center"><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>Call 317-228-9463 to join today!</strong></span></h1><p style="text-align: center;"><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.2958579881656805" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/b1bc16cd-60c1-49a2-934d-3881c83604ef/kahnoisseur-klub-join-it.png" style="width:338px;height:100px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:07:00 GMTBattle of Belgium Wrap-Uphttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-wrap-up
<h2><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="1" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/3ad7faaf-02a2-4c8a-8731-52650bb9971b/leffe-brune.jpg" style="width:250px;height:250px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><span style="color:#15335f;">And then there was one...Leffe Brune, the Battle of Belgium 2012 Champion!</span></h2><p><span style="color: rgb(21, 51, 95);">L</span>effe Brune, a #7 seed, represented the Waterloo region in the BOB 2012 finals, a surprise to be sure.&nbsp; Many beer drinkers and Kahn&#39;s employees were shocked, as Waterloo appeared to be the most difficult region.&nbsp; Waterloo was awash with top-notch beers that fared well in the 2011 Battle of Belgium, including: Goose Island Matilda, Rochefort 10, St. Bernardus Watou Tripel,&nbsp; and St. Bernardus Tripel.&nbsp; No one expected much from Leffe Brune, a 2012 BOB newcomer.&nbsp; We all judged the beer by its label, and frankly, we underestimated it.</p><p>Leffe Brune trounced #2 Rochefort 10 in the first round, busting many BOB Bracket Challenge brackets in the process.&nbsp; In round two, Leffe Brune beat up on St. Bernardus Tripel and in round three, it clobbered Ommegang Brewery&#39;s Three Philosopher&#39;s to make its way into the Championship.</p><p>The 2012 BOB Championship was filled with a veritable who&#39;s who of Belgium beer, including St. Bernardus Abt 12, Chimay Blue and Rochefort 8, all #1 seeds.&nbsp; Surely, Leffe Brune&#39;s Cinderella story would end when it matched up against the three top seeds in the tournament. To be honest, we were almost certain that St. Bernardus Abt 12 would repeat as BOB champion and we were ready to retire it as the finest Belgian beer; however, when it came down to customer votes, Leffe Brune won by two votes over the 2nd place beer, Rochefort 8!</p><p>It just goes to show you what the Battle of Belgium proves with every single matchup: Don&#39;t judge a beer by its label,&nbsp; judge beer by how it tastes.&nbsp; We hope you enjoyed the BOB, and we look forward to an outstanding BOB ini 2013.</p><h2>Remember, all Belgian beer is 10% off for the rest of March, so come in and try some today!</h2><p><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:02:00 GMTBattle of Belgium Round 3 Complete...and then there were 4http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-round-3-complete-and-then-there-were-4
<div class="MPListEntryDefault" id="mpListEntryContent"><h2><img align="right" alt="" src="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/images/38912/bob-logo-2012.jpg" style="width:253px;height:250px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" />DayThree of Battle of Belgium 2012 is Complete!</h2><p><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/e840b1bc-895e-45c0-ac71-cd6b36e14a2b/2012-bob-initial-bracket-round3complete.pdf" target="_blank">Download the Updated Bracket after Round 3 here!</a></p><p>And then there were four.&nbsp; Last year&#39;s BOB Champion St. Bernardus Abt 12, Chimay Blue, Rochefort 8 and Leffe Brune.&nbsp; Leffe Brune, a mere #7 seed, was the beer left standing once the dust settled in the Waterloo region, considered by many to be the most difficult.</p><p>St. Bernardus reasserted its dominance as it defended the Brussels region against Goose Island&#39;s Pere Jacques.&nbsp; Truthfully, it was never close. Abt 12 has had no real challenge up to this point, and again looks like the beer to beat in this year&#39;s Battle of Belgium.</p><p>The Bruges region didn&#39;t provide much drama either, with Trois Pistoles falling to #1seed Rochefort 8 by over 15 votes.</p><p>The real intrigue came in the Antwerp region where Chimay Blue took on Indianapolis brewery Sun King&#39;s Velvet Fog, a bourbon barrel- aged quad brewed wtih cherries. Early in the battle, Sun King stormed out to an 8-1 lead, but as the night went on, Chimay began to gain ground and eventually tied things up.&nbsp; The matchup was hotly contested up until the last thirty minutes of the competition,&nbsp; but Chimay Blue eventually pulled away to win by a mere five votes. Our friends at Sun King should be proud.&nbsp; Kahn&#39;s Fine Wines is proud of our great friends at Sun King Brewery!</p><p>In the end though, only four remain.&nbsp; All four are true Belgian beer and tomorrow, customer votes will decide the King of Belgian Beer.&nbsp; Does Rochefort 8, unlikely BOB newcomer Leffe Brune or the mighty Chimay Blue have enough to overcome the richness and complexity of St. Bernardus Abt 12?&nbsp; Come join us tomorrow at Kahn&#39;s NW from 6-8 pm and we&#39;ll find out together.</p><p><strong><span style="color:#15335f;">IMPORTANT NEWS....BEEROCRACY RAFFLE WILL BE AT 7 PM TOMORROW NIGHT!&nbsp; DON&#39;T MISS ITI!</span></strong></p><p><strong>March 10: </strong>Goose Island Coffee, Founder&#39;s Imperial Stout (2 bottle lot), Bruery Three French Hens, Founder&#39;s Nemesis. Beerocracy is a raffle that we host at the end of all Kahn&#39;s Beer Events where K Klub members are entered into a raffle for the chance to purchase rare and hard to find beers.&nbsp; Joining the K Klub costs just $10 per person, per year and has loads of great benefits.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/why-you-should-join-the-kahnoisseur-s-klub" target="">Find out more about the Kahnoisseur&#39;s Klub here!</a></p></div><p>&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Sat, 10 Mar 2012 01:59:00 GMTBattle of Belgium Round 2http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-round-2
<h2><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.9881422924901185" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/9a5f84ea-4f24-4fdd-ae23-bdeb8a0702a3/bob-logo-2012.jpg" style="width:253px;height:250px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" />Day Two of Battle of Belgium 2012 is Complete!</h2><p><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/07d34c30-9115-4e5e-9aea-1e833de3f68b/2012-bob-initial-bracket-round2complete.pdf" target="_blank">Download the Updated Bracket after Round 2 here!</a><br />St. Bernardus Abt 12 produces another strong effort in round 2 as it continues to fight its way through the 2012 BOB bracket.&nbsp;&nbsp; Abt 12&#39;s round 3 matchup is with Goose Island Pere Jacques, a dominant force in this year&#39;s Battle of Belgium.&nbsp; Pere Jacques crushed Houblon Chouffe in round 1 and embarassed Duvel in round 2, wining by over 20 votes in both cases.&nbsp; Taking down defending BOB champ will be a different matter entirely, as Abt 12 brings richness, complexity and freshness to the table.&nbsp; Again, we&#39;ll have to wait and see, but the stage certainly appears to be set for Abt 12 to repeat as BOB Champ in 2012.</p><p>Rochefort 8 and Unibroue Trois Pistoles are matched up in the Bruges regional.&nbsp; Both beers had strong showings in prior rounds and continue the trend of big beer dominance in BOB 2012.&nbsp; We expect this to be a hotly contested matchup.</p><p>Leffe Brune continues its trimuphant stroll through the Waterloo region after knocking off Rochefort 10 and St. Bernardus Trpel in rounds 1 and 2, respectively.&nbsp; It round 3, it faces Ommegang Brewery&#39;s Three Philosophers, a Belgian-style quad brewed with cherries.&nbsp; While these beers are markedly different in style, we expect the outcome to be dependent on customers in attendance, so if you love either of these beers come out and help vote them through to the final round.</p><p>Finally, and perhaps most interestingly, the Antwerp region features Indiana&#39;s own Sun King Brewery&#39;s Velvet Fog vs. Chimay Blue.&nbsp; Both beers pack a huge punch, but we&#39;ll see where the votes fall tonight in what is sure to be an exciting matchup.&nbsp; We suspect that once Indiana palates figure out which beer is Sun King that the votes may tend toward our hometown brewery, but who knows.&nbsp; Either way, your votes will determine the winner in a matchup with two high quality brews.</p><p><strong><span style="color:#15335f;">DON&#39;T FORGET...BEEROCRACY!&nbsp; </span></strong></p><p><strong>March 9: </strong>Goose Island Bramble, Dogfish Head My Antonia, Boulevard Chocolate Ale 2010, Founder&#39;s Backwoods Bastard 2011.&nbsp; Beerocracy is a raffle that we host at the end of all Kahn&#39;s Beer Events where K Klub members are entered into a raffle for the chance to purchase rare and hard to find beers.&nbsp; Joining the K Klub costs just $10 per person, per year and has loads of great benefits.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/why-you-should-join-the-kahnoisseur-s-klub" target="">Find out more about the Kahnoisseur&#39;s Klub here!</a></p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:27:00 GMTBattle of Belgium Round 1 Updatehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-round-1-update
<h2><br /><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.9881422924901185" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/8253e453-e5af-473c-8369-ee34bb1b647a/bob-logo-2012.jpg" style="width:253px;height:250px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" />Day One of Battle of Belgium 2012 is Complete!</h2><p><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/93cff45f-d1c8-4941-9713-a22b65d1b68f/2012-bob-initial-bracket-round1complete.pdf" target="_blank">Download the Updated Bracket after Round 1 here!</a><br /><br />What an interesting night it was! Overall #1 seed St. Bernardus Abt 12 crushed McChouffe by 27 votes, so its chances of repeating as BOB Champ are still alive, but it will have to get past Boulevard&#39;s Tank 7 Saison in round 2.&nbsp; Saisons (like Tank 7) usually have trouble with rich beers like Abt 12, but we&#39;ll let your votes decide the winner.</p><p>Brackets were busted in the Waterloo region when St. Bernardus Watou Tripel&nbsp; was knocked out by New Belgium&#39;s Belgo IPA, setting up a duel between Belgo and Three Philosophers by Ommegang Brewery.</p><p>The #1 seed in the Antwerp region, Chimay Blue, easily dealt with Urthel&#39;s Quadrium, so Chimay Blue&#39;s potential crash course with Abt 12 in round 4 is still in tact.&nbsp; Also in Antwerp, newcomer Sun King&#39;s Velvet Fog managed to knock out #2 seed New Belgium 1554, though by only a slim margin. This sets Sun King&#39;s Velvet Fog up for a matchup with La Fin du Monde, which crushed Urthel&#39;s Hop-It by over 30 votes in round 1.</p><p>The Bruges region features an interesting contrast of styles with a round 2 matchup between Rochefort 8 and The Bruery&#39;s Mischief, which defeated newcomer Great Crescent Brewery&#39;s Frosted Fields in round 1.&nbsp;</p><p>All in all it was an interesting round 1, but round 2 should be even more exciting!</p><p><strong><span style="color:#15335f;">DON&#39;T FORGET...</span></strong></p><p><strong>March 8 Beerocracy Beers: </strong>Three Floyds Behemoth, Del Borgo Duchessic, Dogfish Head Olde School, Goose Island Bourbon County (2 bottle lot)&nbsp; Beerocracy is a raffle that we host at the end of all Kahn&#39;s Beer Events where K Klub members are entered into a raffle for the chance to purchase rare and hard to find beers.&nbsp; Joining the K Klub costs just $10 per person, per year and has loads of great benefits.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/why-you-should-join-the-kahnoisseur-s-klub" target="">Find out more about the Kahnoisseur&#39;s Klub here!</a></p><p><strong><span style="color:#15335f;">MPORTANT NEWS: </span></strong>The Battle of Belgium rules committee has decided to replay one of the round 1 matchups tonight.&nbsp; At the end of round 1, we determined that one matchup contained a flawed beer, and as such, the matchup&#39;s outcome may have been skewed.&nbsp;&nbsp; We beleive that it is fair to replay this matchup with two &#39;clean,&#39; unflawed beers.</p><p><strong>How we&#39;ll replay it: </strong>We will replay the round 1 matchup and the two potential round 2 matchups tonight.&nbsp; When the round 1 winner is determined, we will then use the round 2 matchup with the round 1 winner to determine the round 2 winner.&nbsp; The other round 2 results will be discarded.&nbsp; If you have any questions, please call 317-228-9463 and talk with Kyle or Todd.</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:06:00 GMTShopping at Kahn's Downtown Just Got Easier...http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/shopping-at-kahn-s-downtown-just-got-easier
<h2><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.746268656716418" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/c7ba9ca9-163e-4fa6-a6e8-78d0c4abc499/delivery-photo.jpg" style="width:335px;height:250px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>Great News for Downtown Residents and Businesspeople</strong></span></h2><p>Finding a place to park in downtown Indianapolis can be tricky, so we&rsquo;ve come up with two ideas that we think will make shopping at Kahn&rsquo;s Downtown much easier&hellip;</p><h3 align="center"><span style="color:#84002f;"><strong>KAHN&#39;S DOWNTOWN TRICYCLE DELIVERY</strong></span></h3><h3 align="center"><span style="color:#84002f;"><strong>&amp;</strong></span></h3><h3 align="center"><span style="color:#84002f;"><strong>KURBSIDE SERVICE!!!</strong></span></h3><p><strong>Here&rsquo;s how it works:&nbsp; </strong>Give us a call at 317-632-9463 with your order and then tell us whether you want your wine, beer, and spirits delivered OR if you want to use Kurbside Service.&nbsp; If you want delivery, we&rsquo;ll roll your way on the Kahn&rsquo;s Tricycle.&nbsp; For Kurbside Service, just call us when you&rsquo;re a few minutes away from Kahn&rsquo;s and we&rsquo;ll bring your order out to your car.&nbsp;</p><h3><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>Either way, there&rsquo;s no need to park!</strong></span></h3><p>Let Kahn&rsquo;s help when you&rsquo;re entertaining, sending <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/spring-gift-baskets-1" target="">gifts</a> or&nbsp; hosting an after-work party for colleagues or friends.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#84002f;"><strong><img align="left" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.746268656716418" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/7eb4ffae-62bb-4463-baf9-d3ab071f5614/kurbside-photo.jpg" style="width:268px;height:200px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></strong></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(132, 0, 47);"><strong>JUST REMEMBER:</strong> </span></h2><h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color:#15335f;">you&#39;re never out of Wine, beer and spirits... </span></strong></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color:#84002f;">CALL Kahn&#39;s Downtown at 317-632-9463 to place your order today!</span></strong></h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br />&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:09:00 GMTBeerocracy at the Battle of Belgiumhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/beerocracy-at-the-battle-of-belgium
<p><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.9881422924901185" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/e44dca11-7765-4971-b7c7-87fdad217c82/bob-logo-2012.jpg" style="width:253px;height:250px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /><strong>Good news..the Battle of Belgium&nbsp; is March 7-10 from 6-8 pm at Kahn&#39;s North Willow, 2342 W. 86th Street.</strong>&nbsp; In our quest to make the Battle of Belgium the best event it can be, we&#39;ve decided to add a Beerocracy Raffle at the end of every Battle of Belgium round (around 7:30pm).&nbsp; .&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-bracket-released" target=""> More Battle of Belgium info here</a>.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/d412b12f-3a81-4052-80d1-425db8d81e7c/2012-bob-bracket-rise-and-fire.pdf" target="_blank">Download the Battle of Belgium Bracket here.</a></p><p><strong>What is Beerocracy?&nbsp;</strong> Beerocracy is a Kahnoisseur&#39;s Klub member benefit where members are entered into a raffle for the chance to purchase rare and hard-to-find beers.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/vote-for-beerocracy" target="">See what rare gems K Klub Members purchased at the Beerocracy Kickoff Tasting here. </a>The Kahnoisseur&#39;s Klub costs members just $10 a year and is loaded with benefits including:&nbsp; Beerocracy, a VIP Tete de Cuvee Room at our Champagne and Shopping event, Discounts on all Food and Accessories...and more.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/why-you-should-join-the-kahnoisseur-s-klub" target=""> </a><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/why-you-should-join-the-kahnoisseur-s-klub" target="">Learn more about the Kahnoisseur&#39;s Klub.</a></p><p><strong>The Battle of Belgium Beerocracy Raffle Schedule:</strong></p><p><strong>March 7: </strong>Goose Island Bourbon County (2 btl lot), Samuel Adams Infinium, Mikkeller 1000 IBU, Ommegang Gnomegang, Bell&#39;s Batch 10,000</p><p><strong>March 8: </strong>Three Floyds Behemoth, Del Borgo Duchessic, Dogfish Head Olde School, Goose Island Bourbon County (2 bottle lot)</p><p><strong>March 9: </strong>Goose Island Bramble, Dogfish Head My Antonia, Boulevard Chocolate Ale 2010, Founder&#39;s Backwoods Bastard 2011</p><p><strong>March 10: </strong>Goose Island Coffee, Founder&#39;s Imperial Stout (2 bottle lot), Bruery Three French Hens, Founder&#39;s Nemesis</p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>Remember....</strong></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(21, 51, 95);">Only Kahnoisseur&#39;s Klub members may enter the Beerocracy Raffle.&nbsp; </span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">If you&#39;re not a Kahnoisseur&#39;s Klub member, call 317-228-9463 to join&nbsp; today for just $10!</h2><p style="text-align: center;"><br /><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.6734006734006734" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/f08c442c-27c0-42c1-bbf8-48a6abdcb94a/beerocracylogoad.png" style="width:297px;height:200px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:28:00 GMTBattle of Belgium Bracket Released!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-bracket-released
<p><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.9881422924901185" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/c7c137a0-0bc0-452d-bf57-c413b852f488/bob-logo-2012.jpg" style="width:253px;height:250px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" />If you already know about the Battle of Belgium and just need your bracket, here it is:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/d412b12f-3a81-4052-80d1-425db8d81e7c/2012-bob-bracket-rise-and-fire.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Download the Battle of Belgium 2012 Bracket here</span></a>.</p><p><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 20px; ">If you&#39;re new to the Battle of Belgium, we promise that it will be an unforgettable beer experience. &nbsp;The Battle of Belgium is a 4 day, 32 beer single elimination blind taste-off where customer votes determine the King of Belgian Beer! &nbsp;Last year&#39;s champion was <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/beer/belgian-dark/st-bernardus-abt-12/mpsfi/a84f3cca-feaa-4894-9635-12d6b984d8ba" target="">St. Bernardus Abt 12</a>&nbsp;and as the overall #1 seed in 2012, we think there&#39;s at least a decent chance for it to repeat, but just like last year, we&#39;ll let the tastings decide...</span></p><h2>The Battle of Belgium is March 7-10 from 6-8pm at Kahn&#39;s North Willow, 2342 W. 86th Street.</h2><p><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 20px; ">Battle of Belgium Bracket Challenge:</strong></p><p style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><strong>How to Play:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;First, pick up a bracket at any Kahn&rsquo;s location or <a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/d412b12f-3a81-4052-80d1-425db8d81e7c/2012-bob-bracket-rise-and-fire.pdf" target="_blank">Download the Battle of Belgium 2012 Bracket here</a>. &nbsp; Fill out your Battle of Belgium bracket by selecting the beers you think will advance and eventually win.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Brackets must be turned in by March 7th at 6:00 pm to any Kahn&#39;s location.&nbsp;</strong>Points are awarded for each correct pick and will be equal to the round number, i.e. Round 1 = 1pt, Round 2 = 2pt, etc...The person with the most total points will be anointed the Baron(ess) of Brew and will win an outstanding prize.&nbsp;<strong><em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kahns-Fine-Wines-Spirits-Superstore/104404084600?ref=tn_tnmn">Follow Kahn&rsquo;s on Facebook&nbsp;</a></em></strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/KahnsFineWines">http://www.facebook.com/KahnsFineWines</a>&nbsp;<em>and Twitter&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://twitter.com/beer_at_kahns">@ Beer_at_Kahns&nbsp;</a></strong>for round by round updates.</em></p><p><strong style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">The Tastings: &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><span style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Initial matchups are based on seeding.&nbsp; All matchups will be conducted blind. At the tastings, customers vote for their favorite beer in each matchup, and the beer with the most votes will advance to the next round.&nbsp; In the event of a tie, a Kahn&rsquo;s staff member will break the tie by tasting and voting for their preferred beer in the tied matchup.&nbsp;&nbsp; At the end of each day, brown bags will be removed and the beers will be revealed. In the event of a tie in the final round, the winner will be the beer with the greatest number of votes throughout the tournament.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 20px; "><strong>For K-Klub Members:&nbsp;</strong>Every Battle of Belgium round will have also have a Beerocracy raffle, where K Klub members &nbsp;will have the chance to purchase beers from our Beerocracy Stockpile. &nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/vote-for-beerocracy" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 20px; "><strong>Click for Info about Beerocracy.</strong></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 20px; ">&nbsp;&nbsp;Only Kahnoisseur&#39;s Klub members can enjoy the Beerocracy Benefit, so if you want to have the chance to purchase rare and hard-to-find beers at the Battle of Belgium, then make sure to join the K-Klub. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/why-you-should-join-the-kahnoisseur-s-klub" target=""><strong>Click for Other Great Reasons to</strong></a></span><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/why-you-should-join-the-kahnoisseur-s-klub" target=""><strong><strong style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 20px; ">&nbsp;Join the Kahnoisseur&#39;s Klub!</strong></strong></a></p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:37:00 GMTA Tale from Kahn's Downtownhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/a-tale-from-kahn-s-downtown
<p><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="1.408450704225352" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/85b7e031-74c1-4b27-8a23-78ed246a318e/downtown.jpg" style="width:213px;height:300px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" />The week of the 2011 Big Ten Championship football game was a big one at Kahn&rsquo;s Downtown, as college-level light beer tolerance and extensive tailgating drove sales to near store-record highs. Game day itself was quite a spectacle, with increasingly jolly groups of sports fans returning two and three times to top off. Empty boxes stacking up. Lines at both registers, all day. That kind of thing. By the time the dust settled, more customers than ever before had walked through our doors: 450. Wow! What amazing traffic!</p><p>The above is an example of something I&rsquo;ll call &ldquo;Pre-Super Bowl Perspective.&rdquo;&nbsp; It&rsquo;s where you think you&rsquo;ve seen a) crowds b) eye-dropping alcohol consumption c) a certain level of crazy d) anything at all.&nbsp; But you haven&rsquo;t, really.&nbsp; On the Thursday before the big game, a cool 617 folks made purchases here (&ldquo;cool&rdquo; is not an insignificant word, here. It connotes the attitude one must take when the former redline becomes the new warm-up). It was going to be a ridiculous weekend.</p><p>The Bud Light Marketing Committee did Kahn&#39;s a favor by setting the price for Bud Light aluminum bottles at $7 &nbsp;Ludicrous! &nbsp; We could have easily charged $7, but $3 was a fair price for America&#39;s most popular light macrobrew. &nbsp;We figued that if we charged fair prices, then revelers would find their way into Kahn&#39;s downtown again and again.</p><p>Well, it worked. We were slammed, inundated, engulfed, etc. The revelers began streaming in just past noon and only stopped after we literally shut the door in their faces.&nbsp; Speaking of faces, new ones became regulars in the course of an afternoon (though I spent most of my time recognizing these through the doors of the beer cooler, which I stocked relentlessly, and not fast enough). Discarded cardboard filled every available nook, a one-in-for-every-one-out line had to be marshaled at the front door, a mountain of bottles had to be swept from the entryway, and in the end we found ourselves entirely out of everything Bud-Miller-Coors.</p><p>There&rsquo;d been 1500 customers in one day, and that number does not account for the many groups of 3 and 5 and even more who threw in together. It all seemed a bit post-apocalyptic, late Friday night. But following a few emergency beer orders we came back Saturday and did it all again. Needless to say, there has never been anything like it and probably never will be. At least until Indianapolis gets on the regular rotation for the Super Bowl (I&rsquo;d vote for it!).</p><p>Oh yeah, and those $3 Bud Lights. We ordered an absurd quantity and sold it all. Over 130 15-bottle cases in two days, which if you do the math adds up to a fairly rousing success for both Kahn&rsquo;s and Anheuser-Busch.</p><p>&nbsp;I heard the Village did all right too, considering.</p><p><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p> (William Cheek)Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:40:00 GMTValentine's at Homehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/valentine-s-at-home
<p align="center"><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="1.3020833333333333" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/a1c5e98d-bbce-4890-b51b-9a7a6dda65b7/caymus-cab.jpg" style="width:192px;height:250px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" />Valentine&rsquo;s Day can be expensive, but it doesn&#39;t have to be, especially if you roll up your sleeves and cook dinner for your Valentine. &nbsp;We think this is such a great idea that we hunted down some tasty, easy to prepare recipes and paired &#39;em with wines we know you&#39;ll love. &nbsp;If you&#39;ve never had a great food and wine pairing, then please try at least one of these!&nbsp;</p><p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Recipe 1: <a href="http://busycooks.about.com/od/beefsteakrecipes/r/steakherbutter.htm">Grilled Steak with herbed butter</a></span></strong></p><p><strong>Red: </strong>&nbsp;Cabernet Sauvignon, esp. California.&nbsp; Check out <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2009/caymus-napa-cabernet-sauvignon/mpsfi/f450ca9f-09c5-48f5-8f57-1931091209f4">Caymus</a>, but make sure to decant it for around two hours.</p><p><strong>White: </strong>California Chardonnay.&nbsp; Try <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2007/cakebread-chardonnay-reserve-napa/mpsfi/6d39fa19-53a5-493c-9e4d-83a3693dc7cb">Cakebread Chardonnay Reserve</a>.&nbsp; You&rsquo;ll be shocked how well a full-bodied oaky California Chardonnay works with butter sauces, even when there&#39;s red meat involved.</p><p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Recipe 2: <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/mini-pork-rack-roasted-potatoes-green-beans-10000000608408/index.html">Mini Pork Rack with Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans</a></span></strong></p><p><strong>Red: </strong>Pinot Noir or Red Burgundy.&nbsp; For Burgundy, try <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2007/bertrand-ambroise-aries/mpsfi/a133f937-76cf-4c43-8bd5-9d93dd71dd5a">Bertrand Ambroise Aries</a>, it&#39;s elegant with a touch of earth.&nbsp;For California Pinot Noir, try <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2005/donum-pinot-noir-carneros/mpsfi/8157fdd4-92f2-48af-9ce3-ef0679b11420">Donum</a>, a big, mouth-filling Pinot from Carneros.</p><p><strong>White: </strong>California Chardonnay or Riesling.&nbsp; Try <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2010/sonoma-cutrer-sonoma-coast-chardonnay/mpsfi/49c94493-821c-4468-866c-2b34816a5346">Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay</a> or <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2010/leitz-rudesheim-roseneck-ries-spatlese/mpsfi/55dc468d-acfb-4b32-971a-d457d53d24c9">Leitz Rudesheim Roseneck Riesling Sp&auml;tlese</a>.&nbsp; The Leitz is an absolute rockstar Riesling that will just break your heart.</p><p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Recipe 3: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-scallopini/">Chicken Scallopini</a></span></strong></p><p><strong>Red: </strong>New World Pinot Noir.&nbsp; Try <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2005/donum-pinot-noir-carneros/mpsfi/8157fdd4-92f2-48af-9ce3-ef0679b11420">Donum</a> or <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2008/caitec-pinot-noir/mpsfi/fb5d6c23-5637-48ab-b7c2-a44984e258ba">Caitec</a>.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>White: </strong>White Burgundy or Sauvignon Blanc.&nbsp; For the Burgundy, try <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2008/moreau-bernard-chass-mont-champs-gain/mpsfi/bb375e53-c7d2-44fc-8c64-13fecb142697">Moreau Chassagne Montrachet Champs Gain</a> .&nbsp; For the Sauvignon Blanc, try <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2010/thomas-crele-sancerre/mpsfi/56e1c4cf-f0bc-4ddc-b905-f39532ec34da">Thomas La Crele Sancerre</a>.&nbsp; The Burgundy will work with the sauce&#39;s richness, while the Sauvignon Blanc will contrast it.</p><p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Recipe 4 <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/garlic-basil-shrimp-recipe/index.html">Garlic Basil Shrimp with Tomatoes</a></span></strong></p><p><strong>Red: </strong>Not recommended.</p><p><strong>White: </strong>Sauvignon Blanc or Sparkling Wine.&nbsp; For the Sauvignon Blanc, try <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2010/thomas-crele-sancerre/mpsfi/56e1c4cf-f0bc-4ddc-b905-f39532ec34da">Thomas La Crele Sancerre</a>.&nbsp; The Sancerre will work some zesty magic with the tomatoes and the basil. For the Sparkling wine, try <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-varietal/sparkling-wines/champagne-brut/henriot-brut-souverain/mpsfi/b4b0c6d7-ac03-4211-87c4-0d4f1f09d2e6">Henriot Brut Souverain</a>.&nbsp; The Champagne will work beautifully with the shrimp&rsquo;s delicate flavor and will tie it in with the basil and tomatoes.</p><p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Recipe 5: <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/oven-poached-salmon-a-la-paige-with-dill-vidalia-onion-and-cucumber-relish-recipe/index.html">Oven Poached Salmon a la Paige with Dill, Vidalia Onion and Cucumber Relish</a></span></strong></p><p><strong>Red: </strong>Pinot Noir.&nbsp; Try <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2005/donum-pinot-noir-carneros/mpsfi/8157fdd4-92f2-48af-9ce3-ef0679b11420">Donum</a> or <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2008/caitec-pinot-noir/mpsfi/fb5d6c23-5637-48ab-b7c2-a44984e258ba">Caitec</a>.&nbsp; Pinot Noir is a classic pairing with Salmon.</p><p><strong>White: </strong>White Burgundy or Sauvignon Blanc.&nbsp; For the Burg, try <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2009/manciat-pouilly-fuisse-petits-bruyers/mpsfi/97669309-2539-4208-bae0-c664b18540dc">Manciat Petite Bruyeres Pouilly Fuisse</a>.&nbsp; For the Sauvignon Blanc, check out the <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2010/paul-thomas-sancerre-les-comtesses/mpsfi/03e50a65-c233-456b-ab1e-32da91a86274">Paul Thomas Sancerre Les Comtesses</a>.&nbsp; The Sancerre will be magnificent with the relish.</p><p style="text-align: center; ">If you need help with other food and wine pairings, just email me at <a href="mailto:todd@kahnsfinewines.com">todd@kahnsfinewines.com</a>.&nbsp; I&rsquo;m happy to help.&nbsp; Just tell me what you&rsquo;re cooking and whether you want white or red. &nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: center; ">Cheers!</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:46:00 GMTBattle of Belgium is coming...http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-is-coming
<p style="text-align: left; "><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.9868421052631579" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/21b03275-bb38-4351-9a3a-d5f92067b990/bob-logo-2012.jpg" style="width:304px;height:300px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border:0" title="" /></p><p>Attention to all Mavens of Malt, all Lords and Ladies of Lambic, and all Sultans of Saccharomyces!&nbsp; We kindly request the presence of your finely tuned, discriminating palate at the Battle of Belgium, an 4 day, 32 beer single elimination blind taste-off that will result in the crowning of the King of Belgian Beer!</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>The Battle of Belgium is a Free Beer Tasting Event! &nbsp;It runs from March 7-10, from 6-8 pm at Kahn&#39;s North Willow, 2342 W. 86th Street.</strong></span></span></p><p>But wait, there&rsquo;s more&hellip;&nbsp; Are you tired of the Belgian beer know-it-all in your &lsquo;inner beer circle&rsquo;?&nbsp; Looking for an opportunity to prove that you&rsquo;re the true Baron of Brew? The Battle of Belgium Bracket Challenge is your chance.&nbsp;<strong>Fill out and submit your completed bracket by 6:00 pm at any Kahn&#39;s location&hellip;</strong>The overall winner will receive the official noble beer title of Baron(ness) of Brew, a ton of bragging rights and&hellip;<strong>&nbsp;an outstanding prize TBD. &nbsp;</strong>Brackets will be released. soon.</p><p><strong>The Tastings: &nbsp; </strong>Initial matchups are based on seeding.&nbsp; All matchups will be conducted blind. Vote for your favorite beer in each matchup, the beer with the most votes will advance to the next round.&nbsp; In the event of a tie, a Kahn&rsquo;s staff member will break the tie by tasting and voting for their preferred beer in the tied matchup.&nbsp;&nbsp; At the end of each day, brown bags will be removed and the beers will be revealed. In the event of a tie in the final round, the winner will be the beer with the greatest number of votes throughout the tournament.</p><p><strong>Battle of Belgium Bracket Challenge:</strong></p><p>How to Play: &nbsp;First, pick up a bracket at any Kahn&rsquo;s location.&nbsp; Fill out your Battle of Belgium bracket by selecting the beers you think will advance and eventually win.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Brackets must be turned in by March 7th at 6:00 pm to any Kahn&#39;s location.&nbsp;</strong>Points are awarded for each correct pick and will be equal to the round number, i.e. Round 1 = 1pt, Round 2 = 2pt, etc...The person with the most total points will be anointed the Baron(ess) of Brew and will win a prize TBD.&nbsp;<strong><em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kahns-Fine-Wines-Spirits-Superstore/104404084600?ref=tn_tnmn">Follow Kahn&rsquo;s on Facebook&nbsp;</a></em></strong><em>(Kahns Fine Wines) and Twitter&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://twitter.com/beer_at_kahns">@ Beer_at_Kahns&nbsp;</a></strong>for round by round updates.</em></p><p>For K-Klub Members: Come to the Battle of Belgium and you&#39;ll have the chance to purchase beers from our Beerocracy Stockpile. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/vote-for-beerocracy"><strong>Click for Info about Beerocracy.</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Only Kahnoisseur&#39;s Klub members can enjoy the Beerocracy Benefit. &nbsp;Want to learn more? Click for&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/why-you-should-join-the-kahnoisseur-s-klub"><strong>Why You Should Join the Kahnoisseur&#39;s Klub!</strong></a></p><h1 align="center"><span style="color:#15335f;"><strong>Questions? Call 317-228-9463&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></span></h1>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:24:00 GMTVote for Beerocracy!http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/vote-for-beerocracy
<p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: center; "><img align="" alt="" sizeratio="0.6741573033707865" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/75eab653-4ab8-4311-9c21-5f2061fbf164/beerocracylogoad.png" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; text-align: right; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; width: 445px; height: 300px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; " title="" /></p><p>This election year, the time is ripe to enact change, to learn from our missteps and to build on our successes. At Kahn&rsquo;s, we are launching a campaign of our own; a crusade to better serve our loyal beer buying constituency. We call it Beerocracy!</p><p>Beerocracy is our attempt to handle the distribution of the most limited and sought after beer releases we have to offer. These high demand beers usually sell out before they reach&nbsp;our shelves. So you, growing beer lover, rarely get the chance to try them.&nbsp; We don&rsquo;t think that&rsquo;s fair, so here&rsquo;s what we&rsquo;re doing&hellip;</p><p>We still want to reward loyal patrons who are on their beer release game, so Kahn&rsquo;s will continue to have sign-up lists for the beer world&rsquo;s rarest releases.&nbsp; &nbsp;From now on, Kahn&rsquo;s will hold back and cellar an undisclosed number of some highly allocated beers for Beerocracy.&nbsp; Every couple months Kahn&rsquo;s will host a beer tasting for our Kahnoisseur&rsquo;s Klub members.&nbsp; Attendees will be entered into a raffle for a chance to purchase from our Beerocracy treasure stockpile.</p><p>OK. We&rsquo;re ready to kick this bad boy off in style&hellip;</p><p><a href="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/docs/266c38b6-8a24-42f6-9ba4-d6c74ac8dfc7/beerocracy-beer-list-pdf.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Click to download the beer&#39;s you&#39;ll taste at the Beerocracy Kickoff Tasting</strong></a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(132, 0, 47); "><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Call 317-228-9463 to join the Kahnoisseur&#39;s Klub today for just $10...and we&#39;ll tell you the date for Beerocracy I!</strong></span></span></p><p><b>Raffle winners at Beerocracy I can purchase these beers...</b></p><p>Founders Blushing Monk</p><p>Victory Dark Intrigue</p><p>The Bruery + Dogfish Head Faster, Bigger, Better, Bolder (Gradually, Quietly, Steadily)</p><p>The Bruery + St. Feuillien Biere De L&rsquo;Amitie</p><p>The Bruery Cuir</p><p>Upland Raspberry Lambic</p><p>Goose Island Bourbon County Stout</p><p>Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch</p><p>Mikkeller Texas Ranger Chipotle Porter</p><p>Mikkeller Sur Monk</p><p>Hebrew + Terrapin Reunion Ale</p><p>Hoppin&rsquo; Frog Barrel Aged Naked Evil Belgian-style Barley Wine</p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; "><span style="color: rgb(21, 51, 95); ">Any questions? Give us a call at 317-228-9463!</span></span></strong></p><p style="text-align: left; ">We look forward to firmly shaking your hand, kissing your babies and offering you an exclusive opportunity to buy some of the world&rsquo;s most highly regarded beers.</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:12:00 GMTA Classic Food and Wine Pairing and a Crazy Onehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/a-classic-food-and-wine-pairing-and-a-crazy-one
<p style="text-align: justify;">Classic food and wine pairings don&rsquo;t just appear out of thin air, they&rsquo;re discovered. Sometimes on purpose, sometimes not.&nbsp; One day, a lucky human being decided to drink a buttery, full-bodied California Chardonnay with his lobster.&nbsp; Can you imagine his delight as the Chardonnay&rsquo;s butter, apple, lemon and tangerine flavors mingled with the lobster&rsquo;s rich, succulent texture?&nbsp; If you can&rsquo;t, then please go buy a lobster and a bottle of <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2008/grgich-hills-chardonnay/mpsfi/63f4a77b-f9f9-4798-a52b-5c7eba08dd80">Grgich Hills Chardonnay</a> right now.&nbsp; I&rsquo;m not kidding.&nbsp;&nbsp; You can send me a thank you note later, but you owe it to yourself.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The #1 Rule of Food and Wine Pairing is&hellip;</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>If it grows together, it goes together.</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Catchy, isn&rsquo;t it?&nbsp; In fact, this rule says more about culture than it does about the complementary nature of food and drink produced within close geographic proximity.&nbsp; Classic food and wine pairings aren&rsquo;t just born, they&rsquo;re cultivated.&nbsp; People stumble upon delicious flavor combinations all the time, sometimes on purpose, sometimes by accident.&nbsp; A classic pairing is born when we share what we&rsquo;ve discovered with others and then they validate our discovery by sharing it again.&nbsp; In that spirit, I&rsquo;d like to share two pairings that I&rsquo;ve stumbled upon.&nbsp; I believe that the first is a bona fide classic and the other is well&hellip; a little off-the-wall.&nbsp; I hope you try both and if you agree; I hope you share them with others.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>&nbsp;My Classic Pairing&hellip;</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Venison Loin: <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2008/domaine-drouhin-pinot-noir/mpsfi/88104148-ee17-4948-9f37-33ba26c71d9b">Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2009</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Venison can be purchased from a variety of online specialty retailers like <a href="http://www.brokenarrowranch.com/?gclid=CKXq6_GGta0CFYvDKgodnx5hkw">Broken Arrow Ranch</a>, <a href="http://www.elkusa.com/?gclid=CL_ct56Hta0CFQcKKgod2iBaqA">Elk USA</a>, or <a href="http://www.underhillfarms.com/venison/">Underhill Farms</a>.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Here&rsquo;s how to prepare the Venison loin:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Venison Loin 2 lbs.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Olive Oil 4 oz.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Greek plain yogurt, 4 oz.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Cumin, 1 tsp</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Cayenne pepper, 1 tsp</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Cardamom, 1 tsp</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Salt, 2 tsp</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Pepper 2 tsp</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Garlic 2 tblsp</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Two limes, juiced</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Combine olive oil, yogurt, cumin, cayenne, cardamom, garlic, salt, pepper and lime juice together in a plastic bag.&nbsp; Place venison in the bag and work it around with the olive oil, yogurt, spice mixture.&nbsp; Marinate for three hours. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Wrap the venison in foil and place in a 350 degree oven for forty minutes to an hour until the red in the meat is gone.&nbsp; Open foil to reduce the juices and produce a crust.&nbsp; Serve with roasted potatoes and carrots.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Try this with the Drouhin Pinot Noir 2009 and you&rsquo;ll know instantly how a classic pairing should taste.&nbsp; The tart, bright cherries and the Pinot Noir&rsquo;s wonderful acidity perfectly complement the venison&rsquo;s rich complexity.&nbsp; You&rsquo;ll love it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>My Off-the-wall, yet completely awesome pairing&hellip;</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Cheez-its Snack Crackers: <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/spirits/cordials-liqueurs/grand-marnier-orange-liq-80pr/mpsfi/65677693-d8d0-4331-bfca-8b99be4d5893">Grand Marnier</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">You might think I&rsquo;m crazy, but oh my goodness&hellip;please try this!&nbsp; The Cheez-its saltiness pairs perfectly with Grand Marnier&rsquo;s orange-macerated sweetness.&nbsp; I&rsquo;m not saying it&rsquo;s Sauternes and Roquefort, but it&rsquo;s pretty darn good!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Do you have a food and wine/spirit pairing you&rsquo;d like to share?&nbsp; </strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Post a comment on this blog or on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kahns-Fine-Wines-Spirits-Superstore/104404084600">Kahn&rsquo;s facebook page</a>.&nbsp; We&rsquo;d love to hear from you!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Recipe: Courtesy of Mr. C. Smith</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:53:00 GMTTired of Ringing in the New Year with Champagne? Try Vodkahttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/tired-of-ringing-in-the-new-year-with-champagne-try-vodka
<p><img align="right" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="1.07" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/5e80f4fa-8bd5-4a9c-9e13-01a790fbf016/jean-marc-xo.jpg" style="width: 230px; height: 247px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0pt none;" title="" />It&rsquo;s that time of year again.&nbsp; At 12:00 on January 1<sup>, </sup>2012 many of us will find ourselves surrounded by loved ones as we ring in the New Year.&nbsp; We&rsquo;ll engage in long-standing New Years traditions like clinking bubbly-filled Champagne flutes together and we may even share a midnight kiss with someone special.&nbsp;</p><p>For many of us, Champagne is a staple for any legitimate New Years Eve celebration, but why?&nbsp; We&rsquo;re celebrating a New Year, so why not try something new?&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Ringin&rsquo; in the New Year with a Vodka Tasting</strong></p><p>Personally, I&rsquo;m not sure why unflavored Vodka hasn&rsquo;t become a &lsquo;thing&rsquo;.&nbsp; Maybe it&rsquo;s slowly gaining speed.&nbsp; A quick browse in almost any liquor store reveals an explosion of flavored vodkas to fuel the current Vodka martini cocktail trend; however, a close look at the Vodka world reveals some excellent choices for Vodka purists.</p><p><strong>Here are some helpful tips to make your tasting a success</strong></p><ul><li>Purchase four or five different unflavored <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/spirits/vodka">vodkas</a>.&nbsp; Let your interests be the guide, but you could certainly choose vodkas from the same country, same grain, or feature the main Vodka regions: Russia, Poland, Western Europe and U.S. Have fun with it.</li><li>Put the vodkas in the freezer overnight.&nbsp; Ice cold vodka is different than vodka at room temperature as it has added viscosity.&nbsp; You&rsquo;ll also find the aromatics are more apparent.</li><li><strong>Glassware</strong>: Serve vodkas in fluted or chimney-style glasses.&nbsp; Fluted cognac glasses or Champagne flutes work well.&nbsp; If you&rsquo;re in the market for stemware, we recommend <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/crystal/riedel/wine-lovers-champagne-flutes-4pc-set/mpsfi/d06afd95-90f2-463f-a539-77efb68cab12">Winelovers Champagne flutes</a>,&nbsp;&nbsp; Chill glassware in the freezer for about an hour before the tasting.</li><li><strong>Food: </strong>Some classic pairings with vodka include: caviar, oysters, pickled vegetables, oily fish, anchovies, herring, and smoked salmon, spicy and salty food.&nbsp; Encourage guests to nibble between tastings.</li><li><strong>Serving: </strong>Pour an oz. to 1.25 oz. of vodka into the chilled glasses.&nbsp; Encourage guests to let the vodka warm (a little) in its glass before tasting.&nbsp; Make sure to smell and note the differences before tasting.&nbsp; Does the nose match the palate?&nbsp; What are the differences?&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Encourage your guests to drink bottled water to cleanse their palates.</li><li><strong>How should vodka taste?&nbsp; </strong>It depends on what you like, but most tasters agree that smoothness is an important taste characteristic of quality vodka. &nbsp;I prefer vodkas that are clean, crisp and complex, but you might like something completely different and that&rsquo;s just fine.</li></ul><p><strong>Kahn&rsquo;s recommends: </strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/spirits/vodka/domestic-vodka/crystal-head-vodka/mpsfi/65ed9db0-d781-4c5c-811d-7a83fb97a2ab">Crystal Head Vodka</a> (Canada) Taste: Slightly sweet aroma and silky smooth.</li><li><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/spirits/vodka/imported-vodka/jean-marc-x-o-vodka-80pr/mpsfi/cc6a49a2-a49f-49b1-b9c0-74956e43f2fc">Jean Marc XO Vokda</a> (France) Taste: Clean, crisp with loads of mineral</li><li><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/spirits/vodka/imported-vodka/stolichnaya-elit-80pr/mpsfi/b89a80b1-0ffc-4ff9-ab51-9bf5d0518940">Stolichnaya Elit Vodka</a> (Russia) Taste: Anise, and spice but smooth and clean.</li><li><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/spirits/vodka/imported-vodka/chopin-potato-vodka/mpsfi/249a7af6-b3e7-43f5-a4df-90a62ff452d9">Chopin Vodka</a> (Poland): Taste: Mineral, spearmint, crisp.</li></ul><p><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:04:00 GMTWhy You Should Join the Kahnoisseur's Klubhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/why-you-should-join-the-kahnoisseur-s-klub
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.2962962962962963" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/32f3ed26-c5e5-44f3-8689-1a1e845e7954/kahnoisseur-klub-join-it.png" style="width: 297px; height: 88px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0pt none;" title="" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Membership in the Kahnoisseur&rsquo;s Klub is your all access pass to the hottest deals and the coolest events that Kahn&rsquo;s Fine Wines offers.&nbsp; The K Klub is easy to join and costs only $10 per person, PER YEAR.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Now is a great time to join, because there are tons of great benefits from now til the end of the year. &nbsp;Don&#39;t miss them!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/category-root/kahnoisseurs-club-1-year/mpsfi/73680e6f-1761-42a3-981e-d95e1647ae28" target=""><span style="font-size: 18px;">Join the K Klub Now!&nbsp;</span></a></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;">Here&rsquo;s what you get for only $10 per year:</span></p><ul><li><strong>Email invites to over 25 FREE wine, beer and spirits tastings per year.</strong>&nbsp; We don&rsquo;t promote these events to the general public so if you&rsquo;re not in the K Klub you&rsquo;ll miss out on great events like:Grand Tour of South America, Grand Tour of Burgundy Varietals, Grand Tour of Spain and Portugal, Grand Tour of Ste. Michelle, Antinori Tasting with Aldo Rafanelli, Summer Sparklers, Patio Pounders, Scotchathon, Bourbonanza, Brandy Bash, Fantasy Four Pack, Beer and Candy, Battle of Belgium, Midsummer&rsquo;s Sauntering Supper, Argentinian Wine and Dine, AND MUCH MORE!!!</li><li><strong>K Klub Only Tete de Cuvee Room at Champagne and Shopping!</strong> This year K Klub members tasted Perrier Jouet Flower Label, Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes D&rsquo;or (Brut and Rose), Krug Grand Cuvee, Dom Perignon, Taittinger Comte de Champagne, Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame and Gaston Chiquet Special Club</li><li><strong>Your order is filled FIRST at our signature Diamond in the Rough event!</strong>&nbsp; This benefit came in handy in 2011. K Klub members were assured that if they ordered a wine they loved, they got it!</li><li><strong>Beerocracy:&nbsp;</strong>The ultimate reason for Beer Lovers to join the K Klub! &nbsp;Every couple of months we will host a beer tasting and K Klub members will get a chance to purchase highly allocated beers that are not on shelves, but hidden in our Beerocracy stockpile! &nbsp;<a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/vote-for-beerocracy" target=""><u><strong>Click for More information about Beerocracy!</strong></u></a></li><li><strong>K Klub Head Start</strong>.&nbsp; Special emails that notify K Klub members of highly allocated and hard-to-find wines, beers and spirits.&nbsp; If you like being on the cutting edge when it comes to new products, then you&rsquo;ll love K Klub Head Start!&nbsp; We make it easy for you!</li><li><strong>Extra 10% off all Riedel stemware</strong></li><li><strong>20-30% discount entry to all events held at restaurants.</strong>&nbsp; Often, if you come to just one restaurant event, your discount will be more than the cost of your K Klub membership!</li><li><strong>Extra 10% off all Accessories and Food</strong></li></ul><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><span style="color:#15335f;">Call 317-228-9463 to join the Kahnoisseur&rsquo;s Klub today!</span></strong></span></p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:42:00 GMTRegarding Sunday Liquor Sales in Indianahttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/regarding-sunday-liquor-sales-in-indiana
<p>Regarding Sunday Sales&hellip;</p><p>I wish the answer was simple, but it is not. &nbsp;We understand why many consumers are in favor of Sunday Sales, but things &nbsp;look very different from Kahn&#39;s point of view.</p><p>If the Sunday sales law passes, then Kahn&rsquo;s and other package liquor stores in central Indiana have a choice: open and incur 52 days of additional labor, selling, general and administrative expenses and compete with groceries and pharmacies for Sunday sales&hellip; or stay closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>You know who keeps pushing for this law don&rsquo;t you?&nbsp; The media and others sponsoring the bill want you to think it&#39;s consumers like you, but Big Box Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, and Convenience Stores are the main proponents of the new law. &nbsp; We get it. &nbsp;Essentially, groceries and pharmacies are forced to shrink their normal selling space for the time they are open on Sundays. &nbsp;If the new law passes, then grocery stores, pharmacies and convenience stores won&rsquo;t incur any additional labor costs or other significant expenses. &nbsp; Since Sunday is one of the biggest grocery shopping days of the week, many consumers will buy alcohol when they do the rest of their shopping because it will be more convenient.</p><p>Are Hoosiers going to drink more just because they can buy alcohol on Sundays? Probably not. &nbsp;Most Hoosiers will consume the same amount of alcohol; they&rsquo;ll just buy it on the day that&rsquo;s most convenient for them.&nbsp; We do not foresee increased sales for Kahn&rsquo;s... just the current 6 days of business spread over 7 days. &nbsp;If sales do increase, we certainly do not foresee an increase that will offset the additional costs of being open.&nbsp; For the small &ldquo;Mom and Pop&rdquo; Liquor stores throughout the state, these additional costs could be the kiss of death, as they incur a 7<sup>th</sup> day of expenses and little to no increased revenue.</p><p>Liquor Stores are fighting hard to limit the exposure of alcohol to minors. &nbsp;All of our employees must be 21 and pass a training class in the Safe Sales of Alcohol while grocery stores can hire minors. Additionally, you must be 21 to enter a Liquor Store but teens and pre-teens are free to &nbsp;walk the liquor aisles freely in a grocery store. &nbsp;&nbsp;In a nutshell&hellip;if grocery stores win, minors will have easier access to alcohol and they&#39;ll be exposed to alcohol at an earlier age.</p><p>Additionally, we would argue that the Sunday law makes an already unfair playing field even more unfair.&nbsp; For example, if you want to open a package liquor store in Indiana , like Kahn&rsquo;s, Crown, UPL, Payless, 21<sup>st</sup> Amendment, and others, you have to buy a license.&nbsp;&nbsp; Auctioned licenses can run from $150,000-450,000. &nbsp;Want to &nbsp;buy a new license from the government? &nbsp;Good luck. &nbsp;New licenses are based on population increases and there have been no new Marion County licenses issued for years. In fact, it is doubtful that there will ever be any new licenses issued (unless the law changes), &nbsp;since Marion County&#39;s population is shrinking. &nbsp;The final way to obtain a license is to buy a liquor store already in operation. &nbsp; Most owners value their licenses in the $200,000-$250,000 range, and as you can imagine, no sane owner will just sell you their license. &nbsp;Compare this to what it costs for grocery licenses (which are unlimited)&hellip;and cost only $2,500. &nbsp;How is that for an unfair playing field?</p><p>Make no mistake about it; &nbsp;grocers are leading the charge on the Sunday sales law.&nbsp; We just want you to know that there are two sides to every story, and we feel that the Sunday sales law is anti-small business, anti-competition and is all about money for the big grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, and the government.&nbsp; Kahn&rsquo;s Fine Wines will adapt and be open for business if and when the new law passes; we just hope you&rsquo;ll make the extra trip on Sundays, because like always, we&rsquo;ll still offer the greatest selection around, top-notch service and competitive prices.&nbsp;</p><p>Told you the answer was not simple.&nbsp; Hopefully this clears things up from the retail side.</p><p>CHEERS!</p><p><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:21:00 GMTFestivale 2011http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/festivale-2011
<p>This was our third year sponsoring this glorious event. We&rsquo;ve partnered with Buffalo Wild Wings and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to help raise money to support the development of new medical treatments and pharmaceutical advancements. To help lengthen and strengthen the lives of those afflicted with this disease we came together on Saturday August 20, 2011 from 4-8pm.</p><p>We offered hundreds of beers and great food from local restaurants all to be sampled by our 600 attendees throughout the event for only $40. 95% of all the proceeds went directly to CFF. We also hosted a silent auction for many cool trips, gifts and memorabilia. The highlight of the event was the total money raised. We managed to collect over $43,000.</p><p>Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the respiratory, reproductive and digestive systems of about seventy thousand individuals worldwide. Please keep this marvelous organization in mind if you make annual donations to charitable organizations.</p><p>Hopefully, if you did attend the event it was an enjoyable experience and if you couldn&rsquo;t make it, we&rsquo;d love to see next year and assist us in raising even more money for this most worthy cause.</p><p>Best Regards,</p><p>W. Brennan Corder</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:03:00 GMTMidsummer's Sauntering Supper Wrap Uphttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/midsummer-s-sauntering-supper-wrap-up
<p style="text-align: center;"><img align="" alt="" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" sizeratio="0.815" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/873bf29e-e4fc-42fe-9644-00f2bcaeceaa/mass-ave-pic.jpg" style="width: 519px; height: 422px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0pt none;" title="" /><br /><br />On June 25th, Kahn&#39;s Fine Wines Downtown partnered up with <a href="http://www.meshonmass.com/" target="_blank">Mesh</a>,<a href="http://www.aesopstables.biz/" target="_blank"> Aesop&#39;s Tables </a>and <a href="http://www.agiorestaurant.net/" target="_blank">Agio</a> to offer guests a one-of-a-kind Progressive Dinner called A Midsummer&#39;s Sauntering Supper.&nbsp; It really was a great time.&nbsp; The event began around 4:30 at Kahn&#39;s Downtown where guests were greeted with La Ardilla Moscato and Bartolomeo Prosecco. The La Ardilla displayed a fizzy effervescence coupled with tangerines and Granny Smith apples and the Bartolomeo exuded spumante-like bubbles and crisp acid; both functioned well as apperitifs and provided a nice foreward to the wine and culinary delights to come.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: center;">With palates cleansed, we ventured forth to Mesh, in search of a unique spin on American Fusion with a chic decor, and boy did they hit the ball out of the park.&nbsp; Sarah Eck, Mesh&#39;s events co-ordinator put us in Mesh&#39;s private dining room overlooking Mass. Ave.&nbsp; We enjoyed Kim Crawford&#39;s wonderful Sauvignon Blanc and a delightful Malbec from Alta Vista along with Mesh&#39;s expertly prepared food:<br />&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Sat, 02 Jul 2011 18:11:00 GMTBeer Dinner #1: May 25thhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/beer-dinner-1-may-25th
<p align="center"><strong><em>Beer Dinner #1</em></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><em>The Oceanaire Seafood Room </em></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><em>Wednesday, May 25th</em></strong></p><p>We were fortunate enough to be invited to a four course dinner hosted by <a href="http://worldclassbeverages.com/">World Class Beverages</a> last month at the <a href="http://www.theoceanaire.com/Locations/Indianapolis/Locations.aspx">The Oceanaire Indianapolis</a>. We paired two beers with each course. My three colleagues along with myself had a fantastic night that not only captured our sense of sight, but surprised and excited the palate. The pairings also offered enticing aromas that exploded from our glasses and plates while constantly perfuming the air throughout the event.</p><p><strong>Reception Beers: </strong><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/beer/lager/grolsch/mpsfi/71c1abf3-5908-4eb7-b865-578c6620efd5">Grolsch</a> and <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/beer/seasonal-specialty/brooklyn-brewing-summer-ale-nla/mpsfi/9e39bdc7-8252-42d3-9227-8a1525926493">Brooklyn Brewing Summer Ale</a> were the two beers that we were welcomed with as we arrived. It was a particularly muggy day outside and both of these beers were a refreshing treat as we walked out of the unseasonably warm spring air.</p><p><strong>First Course:</strong> <em>Ahi Tuna Poke with Crispy Wontons, Cucumbers &amp; Wasabi Emulsion</em></p><p><strong>Beers Paired:</strong> <em>Blue Moon Grand Cru/Three Floyd&rsquo;s Rabbid Rabbit</em></p><p>This course was all about elegance and refinement. The tuna was incredibly fresh and delicate. The wonton added some interesting crunch to contrast the silky smooth texture of the thinly sliced cucumber. And then there was the wasabi emulsion, which kicked everything up a notch. The beers for this course were on the lighter end of the color spectrum, but still possessed some weight on the palate. The <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/beer/belgian-dark/blue-moon-grand-cru/mpsfi/51e9334d-53b1-4574-ad72-d5161d07290c">Blue Moon Grand Cru</a> was from 2009 and showed some age on it. It seemed to be an Imperial Belgian Wit that had some orange and coriander aromas along with its softly rounded malt driven mouth feel. Three Floyd&rsquo;s Rabid Rabbit is a Franco-Belgian style Farmhouse Ale that has an effervescent body and a light straw color. With its light malt body, augmented by spices, is a complex and frothy beverage with deceptively high alcohol content. Unfortunately, we&rsquo;re sold out of this lovely offering, but we&rsquo;ll have it again next March. Both of these beers were solid pairings, but my palate leaned toward the fresher and more complex layers of the Rabid Rabbit.</p><p><strong>Second Course: </strong><em>Jumbo</em> <em>Shrimp &amp; White Cheddar Grits</em></p><p><strong>Beers Paired: </strong><em>Pilsner Urquell/Brasserie d&rsquo; Achouffe Houblon Doebbelen IPA Tripel</em></p><p>For those of you that know me well, you know that I moonlight at the Oceanaire as a server part time. This appetizer course is absolutely one of my favorites that we offer. I don&rsquo;t know how many of you enjoy grits, but the plate presentation is brilliant as they lay a hand formed ball of grits in the center and gently place four jumbo shrimp around the bowl. Then the bowl is lightly drizzled with a savory tomato based ragu and freshly diced tomatoes. The <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/beer/pilsner/pilsner-urquell/mpsfi/c1fa6195-ee14-4dfb-babe-fed03708dc2b">Pilsner Urquell</a> showed brilliantly with this dish. The soft malt and moderately bitter finish set up wonderfully with the slightly firm texture of the grits along with contrasting the mildly spicy jumbo shrimp. Our second beer was the <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/beer/belgian-pale/chouffe-houblon/mpsfi/ab61dac5-455c-48b9-b7f8-d69df11de96d">Chouffe Houblon</a>. This beer was brewed for the first time in 2006.&nbsp; It is an &lsquo;Indian Pale Ale&rsquo; type of beer, with a harmonious balance between a marked bitterness and a pleasant fruitiness that lingers in harmony with the bone dry finish. It is unfiltered and re-fermented in the bottle, which will allow the beer to evolve and develop in the bottle over time. If you like it fresh and the hops at the forefront drink immediately after purchase, but if you like things a little more balanced, just wait a few months and the hops will fade a bit. The malt and yeast aromas will become more pronounced after the wait. I would say that this ale might have been a little too heavy and bitter for the dish it was paired with, but I was a fan of just drinking it after I finished the course. It is remarkably refreshing for a beer that has an ABV of 9%.</p><p><strong>Third Course: </strong><em>Blackened Grilled Hawaiian Marlin with Carmelized Onions &amp; Bleu Cheese Butter</em></p><p><strong>Beers Paired: </strong><em>Blue Moon Pale Ale/Duvel Triple Hop</em></p><p>This main entr&eacute;e is another one of my favorites to offer while serving. The layered flavors of the seasonings, firm textured fish, sweet onions along with the pungent and highly acidic bleu cheese makes my salivary glands pray to the lord for this creation. Our two ales here were in stark contrast to each other. The Blue Moon Pale Ale had well defined aromas and flavors of caramel as a result of those types of malts used in its brewing process.&nbsp; It paired up nicely with the carmelized onions and lent itself to a contrasting component to the Cajun spices the marlin had been dredged in before grilling. The Duvel Triple Hop was much paler in color, but had a highly acidic side to it as one might expect from <em>&ldquo;Triple Hop&rdquo;</em> in its name. This highly carbonated ale positioned itself differently against the prep by cutting through the richness of the marlin and Cajun spices. It also had this wonderful relationship with the bleu cheese that I didn&rsquo;t expect initially, but as they worked together with one another on my palate I was blown away. This pairing was probably my second favorite of the night.</p><p><strong>Fourth Course: </strong><em>Chocolate Cake with Hand Made Whipped Cream &amp; Macadamia Nuts</em></p><p><strong>Beers Paired: </strong><em>Leinenkugel Big Eddy Imperial Stout/Three Floyd&rsquo;s Dark Lord 2011</em></p><p>Well, if you&rsquo;re into decadence, this was easily at the farthest end of that spectrum without question. Chocolate and Imperial Stouts are a perfect pairing in my mind. The intense chocolate aromas of these massive ales are wonderful companions to anything that involves chocolate or coffee. Both the Big Eddy and the Dark Lord possess the characteristics I&rsquo;ve just described. However, the Bid Eddy was on the lighter end of the Imperial Stout mouth feel spectrum, while the Dark Lord was as viscous as the oldest motor oil you&rsquo;ve ever seen. I would say the Dark Lord was by far my favorite beer of the night and this was the most magnificently paired course of the night.</p><p>I can&rsquo;t express how thankful I am to be on the receiving end of such gracious hospitality. I would strongly encourage all Hoosiers to venture out to <a href="http://www.theoceanaire.com/Locations/Indianapolis/Locations.aspx">The Oceanaire Indianapolis</a> for a remarkable dining experience and please visit <a href="http://worldclassbeverages.com/">World Class Beverages</a> and check out super cool features like <a href="http://in.worldclassbeverages.com/beerspy/product/bells-oberon/396/">Beer Spy</a> and <a href="http://in.worldclassbeverages.com/beer-u/">Beer U</a>. The Beer Spy feature helps you find a certain beer at specific retail or restaurant locations by entering your zip code and the proximity for your shopping needs, but of course, you can always shop with us at <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/beer">Kahn&#39;s Fine Wines Beer</a> for all of your craft beer needs. The Beer U program is new and if you&rsquo;re interested in educating yourself further about craft beer it is a wonderful resource.</p><p>I&rsquo;m certainly looking forward to attending and hosting many more wonderful beer pairing dinner events in the near future and would like to invite all of our highly valued Kahn&rsquo;s customers as we continue to expand our event offerings throughout the rest of the calendar year. Make sure you sign up for our weekly e-mails and if you don&rsquo;t receive the Khronicle it&rsquo;s got the listing of the current month&rsquo;s events on the cover.</p><p>Until we cheers again!</p><p>Best Regards,</p><p>W. Brennan Corder</p><p><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:49:00 GMTBeer Dinner #2, June 8thhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/beer-dinner-2-june-8th
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Beer Dinner #2</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>An Informative Afternoon : An Incredible Dinner</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;">Wednesday, June 8<sup>th</sup></p><p>Teamwork is a massively important part of everything we do. Whether it is cooperation at work, helping out at home, or the pairings on the table in front of you, this day was about all of the above. As a follow up to the meeting World Class Beverage held two weeks prior to discuss their new project, BeerU, they again invited area beer retailers for a meeting and a meal.</p><p>Brennan and I arrived at the state of the art Monarch shipping facility on Indy&rsquo;s Eastside where we got to dig a little deeper into BeerU. It&rsquo;s a new project they are rolling out with a few goals in mind. Educate retailers and customers about craft beer and, in turn, grow the craft beer segment as much as possible. Essentially, it is an online &lsquo;university&rsquo; where you can learn about specific processes, styles and histories of beer. We are excited to explore and utilize it as much as possible for our staff and all of our interested customers. So, be on the look out for educational/classroom style tastings here at Kahn&rsquo;s in the near future. There is so much to learn about craft beer!</p><p>After the BeerU training it was off to a beer dinner at <a href="http://www.oakleysbistro.com/">Oakley&rsquo;s Bistro</a>. A dinner Brennan and I had been salivating for ever since we received the email inviting us. Upon entering, we were greeted with two refreshing easy drinkers as our liquid appetizers: the light and thirst-quenching <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/beer/seasonal-specialty/anchor-summer-beer/mpsfi/a48e9524-a788-475e-9c63-c223de84d0c2">Anchor Summer Beer</a> and the lemony goodness of <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/beer/lager/leinenkugel-summer-shandy/mpsfi/bcc9c79d-e582-421b-ae22-78a3d6c92693">Leinenkugel Summer Shandy</a>. Both proved to be suitable answers to the sticky heat that harassed us on the way over. Ok&hellip; Food please!</p><p><strong>First Course:</strong></p><p><em>Asparagus &ldquo;Toad in the Hole&rdquo; : Brioche / egg / asparagus / prosciutto / roasted peppers / artichoke / brie cheese / truffle vinaigrette</em></p><p><a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/260/1308"><em>3 Monts Biere de Garde</em></a><em> / </em><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/beer/belgian-dark/blue-moon-grand-cru/mpsfi/51e9334d-53b1-4574-ad72-d5161d07290c"><em>Blue Moon Grand Cru</em></a></p><p>This first course was a delicate, flavorful and multi-dimensional precursor of the other exceptional plates to follow. I have no doubt that I could eat this dish for every meal for eternity. Is that too high of praise? I don&rsquo;t think so. Especially when you factor in how well the asparagus, brie and truffle vinaigrette paired with the 3 Monts Biere de Garde. Each played off the other perfectly! The Blue Moon Grand Cru proved to be a bit too big in style for the delicacy of the dish, but provided a great example of how a proper pairing can enhance or hinder a meal.</p><p><strong>Second Course:</strong></p><p><em>Butchers Board : Selection of housemade charcuterie / foie gras honey mousse / pickled vegetables</em></p><p><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/beer/belgian-dark/chimay-grande-reserve-blue/mpsfi/4f73d5f8-d236-4364-9ea7-08e9677b1304"><em>Chimay Grand Reserve 3L</em></a><em> / </em><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/beer/amber-ale-red-ale/killians-irish-red/mpsfi/43d02ed7-9884-48a5-a617-efc671fde724"><em>Killian&rsquo;s Irish Red</em></a></p><p>If I said this was my least favorite course it might sound a little harsh. It&rsquo;s more like if I said that one of my five fingers was my least favorite. It&rsquo;s still one of my fingers and I would never want to part with it. This dish offered a nice sampling of charcuterie that actually went better with the Killian&rsquo;s Irish Red than the Chimay Grand Reserve. I&rsquo;ll even admit that Killian&rsquo;s is one of my most despised beers, but yet again, the power of a good pairing reared its head again. While the malt and body of the Chimay were tasty as always, it was too much for this dish, in my opinion. The light-medium body Killian&rsquo;s, on the other hand, had a suitable amount of malt that complimented the selection of meats nicely.</p><p><strong>Third Course: </strong></p><p><em>Sea Scallops : Parmesan pudding / portobello mushrooms / spinach / garlic chips / spicy balsamic </em></p><p><a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/423/49700"><em>Boulevard Two Jokers Double Wit</em></a><em> / </em><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/beer/lager/leinenkugel-classic-amber/mpsfi/fa2b279e-9416-4ee4-8f55-0c4779225656"><em>Leinenkugel Classic Amber</em></a></p><p>I love sea scallops. Love them. My mouth is watering again as I type and I&rsquo;m only just now starting to really relive this dish in my mind. This course is tied with the first and fourth as 3 of the best I&rsquo;ve ever had the opportunity of trying. There are a few others I&rsquo;d put up there in my past, but dang&hellip; these were complete efforts from the kitchen AND were paired so well! I just told Brennan that I wish I would have a soft-serve ice cream machine that would dispense parmesan pudding anytime I would want it. Granted it might not be the healthiest appliance a person could own, but it would be the most delicious and possibly the most used. Again, as with the second course, I was surprised by which beer I enjoyed more with this dish. Boulevard has quickly become one of the most consistently impressive breweries we are fortunate enough to carry. Continuing that trend of quality was the Boulevard Two Jokers. It is a well balanced imperial Belgian wit beer, but was just too much for the soft graceful flavors presented here. The Leinie Classic Amber presented a lighter body and a perfect maltiness to highlight the scallops, parmesan, portobellos and garlic chips. I have no doubt I&rsquo;d enjoy this one even if it was served with a cup of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sriracha_sauce">sriracha</a>, but to have it enhanced by the beer was a treat.</p><p><strong>Fourth Course: </strong></p><p><em>Duck &amp; Duck : Pulled duck enchilada / roasted duck breast / almond mole / baby vegetables / pico de gallo / avocado mousse </em></p><p><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/category-root/hoppin-frog-black-tan/mpsfi/9ea52bb9-8e01-4be2-9024-68e738244776"><em>Hoppin&rsquo; Frog Bodacious Black &amp; Tan</em></a><em> / </em><a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/category-root/leinenkugel-creamy-dark/mpsfi/1546fe37-eb15-4624-a55c-8c033ed6d7d9"><em>Leinenkugel Creamy Dark</em></a></p><p>How many flavors, textures and visually stimulating presentations can Chef Oakley utilize and, better yet, harmonize? Umm&hellip; a lot! This course was over the top impressive. The mole sauce and the spices used in the pulled duck acted as the perfect bridges to tie the rest of the dish to the two beers. This was probably the best all around course when you factor in all the elements. Presentation, texture, taste and they way they went with the roasty chocolaty nature of both beers. Well done!</p><p><strong>Fifth Course:</strong></p><p><em>Vanilla Cr&egrave;me Brul&eacute;e : Strawberry Jam / corn puffs</em></p><p><a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/590/1585"><em>New Glarus Raspberry Tart</em></a><em> /&nbsp; <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/beer/wheat/leinenkugel-berry-weiss/mpsfi/a339a2c4-3396-4595-b0fc-72015c0ab7ee">Leinenkugel Berry Weisse</a></em></p><p>So, I think after running us all through his own personal gauntlet of amazing courses, he let us recover and savor the past hour or so by offering us a straightforward and refreshing dessert. This was a hard one to mess up. Big vanilla beans and strawberries that paired so well with each beer. Those of you who may not be familiar, New Glarus is a terrific Wisconsin brewery that we unfortunately cannot enjoy here in Indiana. This was a surprise treat provided to us for being a part of the BeerU program. The slightly sour nature of the Raspberry Tart was perfect here and so was the refreshing light berry wheat from the Leinie collection. Another more than adequate combination of food and beer!</p><p>I hope you all can live vicariously through our experience (and not resent us too much). I hope it excites you and inspires you to venture out and try more things. Plan meals around the beers you like. Base the beers you buy around the foods you like. Explore all the possibilities. Learn as much as you can and you&rsquo;ll enjoy the combinations more than you ever thought you could!&nbsp; Food and beer, our distributors and Kahn&rsquo;s, Kahn&rsquo;s and all of you. A day full of pairings is a good day!</p><p>Thanks,</p><p>Kyle Kaufman</p><p>Check out <a href="http://in.worldclassbeverages.com/">World Class Beverages</a></p><p>Check out <a href="http://www.oakleysbistro.com/">Oakley&rsquo;s Bistro</a></p><p>And Come in to <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/">Kahn&rsquo;s</a>!</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:53:00 GMTPatio Pounders Recap--Some Interesting Finds...http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/patio-pounders-recap-some-interesting-finds
<p>Some of you are probably wondering what a Patio Pounder is, that's a fair question with an easy answer.&nbsp; A Patio Pounder is essentially a wine that you drink outside on the patio, on the deck, on the boat or wherever.&nbsp; The other condition that a wine must meet to be deemed a Patio Pounder is that it needs to have a high 'gulp' factor, meaning that you almost have to stop yourself from tipping the entire bottle back and knockin' it down!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Some interesting wines at Patio Pounders, for sure.&nbsp; First, if you weren't at the event, then you really missed a great time.&nbsp; I mean it too.&nbsp; The weather was perfect, the wines were flowin' and everyone was in a great mood.&nbsp; You really couuldn't help buy enjoy yourself.</p><p>I actually started off this event pouring some of the wines for Graybull wines.&nbsp; What a treat!&nbsp; I poured five wines.&nbsp; Three from Langwerth von Simmern, Dr. Fischer's Ockfener Bockstein Kabinett and Juliusspital's Scheurebe.</p><p>It was like a mini-tour of Germany, in five wines, but I have to say that the Langwerth wines really spoke to me.</p><br />todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Wed, 15 Jun 2011 07:14:00 GMTDowntown Hospitality Night Event Wrapuphttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/downtown-hospitality-night-event-wrapup
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="color: #15335f;"><strong><em>FIRST EVER DOWNTOWN HOSPITALITY NIGHT</em></strong></span></span></h1><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #84002f;"><strong><em>Thursday June 9<sup>th</sup>, 2011</em></strong></span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><address>The other night Thursday June 9<sup>th</sup> marked the first ever hospitality night for the downtown Kahn's location.&nbsp; Located at 25 North Pennsylvania St. less than a block from the circle, the store welcomed staffing from St. Elmo's, Harry &amp; Izzy's, Oceanaire, 14 West, and Rock Bottom to enjoy an exclusive beer and wine tasting.&nbsp; Everyone that attended had a great time checking out the old 1930's bank vault.&nbsp; They also thought the original 1850's architecture that was brought back to life was very retro and cool.&nbsp; It was a evening full of surprises.</address><address></address><address>The definite hit of the night was the Boulevard Smokestack series tank 7 farmhouse ale, and on the wine side Ponzi's 2008 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.&nbsp; Other beers tasted were Delirium Nocturnum, Stone I.P.A., Corsendonk Abbey Pale Ale, Rogue MoriMoto Soba Ale, Upland Infinite Wisdom, Cotleigh Golden Seahawk, and Goose Island Night Stalker .&nbsp; Additional wines that tasted were Beringer Merlot, Benziger Carneros Pinot Noir, St. Francis Old Vine Zinfadel, Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc, Riondo Pink Prosecco, Hess Select Chardonnay, and Chateau St. Jean Gewurztraminer.</address><address><br /></address><address></address><address>Thanks so much for everyone that attended!!! I think I speak for everyone when I say, I cannot wait for the next hospitality night at the downtown Kahns. </address><address><br /></address><address>Are you a downtown Indianapolis restaurant and would like to be included in our next Downtown Hospitality Night?&nbsp; Call 317-632-9463 for details.</address></p><p>Cheers,</p><p>Graham Miller<br />Assistant Manager</p><p>Kahn's Fine Wine &amp; Spirits<br />Downtown<br />25 N. Pennsylvania St.<br />Indianapolis, IN 46205</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>317-632-9463</p><br /><p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p><br /><br /><br />todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:52:00 GMTGrand Tour of Alsace Event Wrap-uphttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/grand-tour-of-alsace-event-wrap-up
<p>By: Bill Cheek, Kahn's North Willow</p><p>Let us be upfront and admit that I am NOT yet a wine drinker (or at least, not yet one with a palate to be trusted).&nbsp; So when Kahn's gave me a day off that just so happened to coincide with Le Grand Tour d'Alsace, I took the hint and headed over to conduct a bit of research.</p><p>I figured that to beat the crowd I'd stop in right at the start of the two-hour event; slip in, sample, take notes, slip out...but whoa: apparently when you offer twenty-five wines for the price of the gas it takes to get there (and, uh, maybe a cab, depending on your affinity for spitting) people SHOW UP.&nbsp; Who knew?</p><p>So over the course of an hour I mingled with the 75+ customers on hand and gradually made my way through most of the available wines.&nbsp; The Alsace region is predominated by several white wine varietals which range from dry to semi-sweet:&nbsp; Riesling, Gewurtzraminer, and Pinot Gris were clearly the order of the night.</p><p>Now we come to the fun part.&nbsp; Highlights of the night included the Rene Mure lineup of varietals, mid-00s vintages that displayed delicious age-acquired mellowness and subtlety.&nbsp; [Our manager at North Willow], Todd, was quite enthused by the <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2003/mure-pinot-gris-clos-st-landelin/mpsfi/c2f062fe-7775-4b2d-9790-28ad04cf65e9">2003 Pinot Gris St. Landelin</a>, which he let everyone in earshot know was "drinking like a champ."&nbsp; In fact, we sold every bottle in the store that night! (I noted only "Gentle tart, ripe apple" to prove that I am a rube)&nbsp; The <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-vintage/2005/mure-pinot-noir-v/mpsfi/61d5711e-a0fb-4bba-9214-962c6e560ced">ReneMure Pinot Noir V 2005</a>, the only red wine in the tasting, was by no means a token - it was well balanced between ripe berries and tannins, and smelled uncannily like the Upland Lambic Blackberry I recently opened.&nbsp; Fun beer-wine connection, huh?</p><p>Other interesting selections (disclaimer: to me) included the <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-varietal/white-wines/white-other/pierre-sparr-alsace-one-blend-2008/mpsfi/ffcf1608-8973-49c6-8217-61ead57d71cd">PierreSparr Alsace One</a>, a blend of the aforementioned Alsace varietals that featured a citrus/apple tartness overlaying a distinct perfume-likefloral character, and the <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-region/france/other/gustave-lorentz-gewurztraminer/mpsfi/e816923b-9b07-47a4-b25f-b84dcd12646b">2009 Gustave Lorentz Gewurtzraminer</a>, a lovely concentrated punch of flowers and melons and honey with a finish just dry enough to demand another sip.</p><p>I have discovered that I am a great fan of the Gewurtzraminer.&nbsp; Wine reviews can get pretentious &amp; disturbingly anthropomorphic, but when they say this varietal has a "flamboyant" nose, they ain't lying.&nbsp; Instantly recognizable, the nose of a Gewurtz is a deep, brooding floral essence which tightly embraces a range of ripe fruits.&nbsp; And then in the mouth it is...well, various things, but these things tend to highlight a remarkable cooperation between playful and serious, sweet and sassy.&nbsp; You see what I am doing here.&nbsp; Anyway, the point is that my favorite wine of the night was&nbsp; the<a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-region/france/other/ehrhart-gewz-rosenberg-2004/mpsfi/89906302-dff0-46ea-8df7-adede6246ae0">Ehrhart Gewurtzraminer Rosenberg 2004</a>, offering a richly honeyed, perfumed upfront sweetness that u-turned into a surprisingly dry spicy finish.</p><p>Of course, my co-worker Shilpa tells me the next day that Todd proclaimedthis particular bottle to have ameasure of undesirable oxidation present.&nbsp; This is clearly evidence that my palate has yet to reach the scintillating "mediocre" status it holds in my mind.&nbsp; Or lies.&nbsp; I'll go with lies, becausethat wine was great fun,<a name="_GoBack"></a> regardless.</p><br /><br /><br />todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Sun, 15 May 2011 14:25:00 GMTBobby Kacher Chicago Trip Bloghttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/bobby-kacher-chicago-trip-blog
<p style="text-align: center;"><img sizeratio="0.5777777777777777" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/e2d590d4-9fe8-49af-bbb7-20ca89c76315/robert-kacher.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="382" height="220" /></p><p>So, I convinced Paul and Jim to let me sneak out of Keystone for a day and take 3 other highly enthused colleagues up to Chicago for an afternoon of absolutely marvelous fine wine tasting. We left early in the morning about 7am and arrived in Chi-Town about 10:30am.</p><p>We didn't have to be at the tasting until 11:00am...This is Kyle now. Unfortunately, Brennan has been pulled away by one of many strings of responsibilities that will most likely not allow him to finish this task, so you'll just have to deal with my perspective of this great day trip.</p><p>We arrived in Chi town early and had about an hour to kill so we stopped at Binny's. This is one of the most wonderful locations for fine wine, beer &amp; spirits in the country. The primary reason for our stop was to acquire beers &amp; single malt scotches that aren't distributed in our fair state of Indiana. We found some gems like Green Flash "West Coast IPA" along with Lost Abbey's "Serpent Stout". Kevin with his keen eye spotted the last bottle of Sassicaia barrel finished Edradour 10 year. The distillery only produced 464 total bottles of this glorious single malt. So, as a result we're expecting to have invitations made available to our staff next week to polish off the bottle courtesy of Kevin. Ok, enough with the shameless plugging of Binny's, on to the tasting.</p><p>We arrived and we're immediately greeted by our wonderful Bobby Kacher sales rep, Anne Markovich-Girard. She politely explained the layout of the tasting room, showed us the table with available stemware and gave us the green light to begin our three hour adventurous exploration of the beautifully distinct wines from the multitude of unique French appellations that comprise their portfolio.</p><p>Well, somehow Brennan has managed to escape the floor to once again engage in this blog. Please enjoy your further reading.</p><p>Best Regards,</p><p>Kyle</p><p>Ok, well, I'm glad I could return just in time to talk with all of you about this fabulous tasting. We began with one of my favorite Non-Vintage Champagnes in the world, <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-varietal/sparkling-wines/champagne-brut/lamiable-brut-nv/mpsfi/a781c12b-bd3c-4a28-b956-c3d82f6b4063">LAMIABLE BRUT NV</a>. This Champagne is one of the many "Grower Champagnes" that we carry and is incredibly and uniquely expressive. This wine has a penetratingly deep nose of honey drizzled granny smith apples, lemon-lime zest and graphite as you work your way through to a slight underpinning of subtle and elegant yeasty aroma. The texture is delicate and refreshingly dry with very refined effervescence. If you love sparkling wines as much as I do, and believe me, I can drink sparklers on any day that ends in "Y", so you know if I'm preaching about this wine, then you should seek this one out.</p><p>All of our "Grower Champagnes" can be identified by the letters RM, which translates to Recoltant Manipulant. These Champagne houses are small producers that only use the fruit they grow on their estates and are terroir driven with a wonderfully focused purpose of being true representatives of their vineyard sites.</p><p>We tasted so many lovely and charming wines throughout the day. Some of the highlights would be from fabulous producers such as Bertrand Ambroise. His family origins date back to the 18<sup>th</sup> century in the village of Premeaux-Prissey in the heart of the Cote D'Or. His Echezeaux 2008 and his Clos Vougeot 2008 were two of the best wines we tasted all day. They were remarkably dense, amazingly dark and highly extracted for Pinot Noir, but marvelously refined and elegant at the same time. Their balance and harmony were unmatched. Unfortunately, we don't have them in stock, but rest assured I'll be harassing Jim to purchase them with our next shipment.</p><p>Diane De Puymorin is the sole proprietor of Chateau d'Or et de Gueules located in the rolling hills outside the ancient Roman city of Nimes. We tasted several wines from her winery and the show stopper was her Q'es A Quo, which was this wonderful old vine Carignan. We also tasted her <a href="http://www.robertkacherselections.com/portfolio_detail.php?itemno=p801208">PETITE CASSAGNE BLANC 2008</a>. This is a refreshing white comprised of Grenache Blanc, Roussane &amp; Vermentino (called Rolle in Southern France). It has enticing aromas of fresh pears, grapefruits and ripe lemon zest. The acidity is vibrant and compelling enough for you to drink two bottles on the patio and reach for a third in just a few hours. Make sure to pick some up for your outdoor picnics or cookouts.</p><p>We also had an opportunity to taste with Philippe &amp; Corinne Ehrhart. Their small estate of 21 hectares is located in the small village of Wettolsheim in the Alsace region of France. The Ehrhart family has been making wine in this region since 1725. Their wines are certified organic by the French government. My personal favorite from their table was at the top of my short list for white wines for the day. Their <a href="http://www.robertkacherselections.com/portfolio_detail.php?itemno=p801208">EHRHART GEWURZTRAMINER "HERRENWEG" 2009</a> was rich and full bodied. The nose had multiple layers of ripe exotic fruits like kiwi, passion fruit and mango accompanied by spicy notes that you would expect from this varietal. The finish had so much acidity it forced me back for more after every sip.</p><p>We finally had our fill of vino and moved to the Cognac &amp; Armagnac table where we tasted the most fantastic Armagnac I've had in quite some time. The Tariquet XO 1994 was rich and full bodied and had marvelous notes of honey, vanilla &amp; spice box along with subtle caramel and toffee notes. There were no noticeable high end fusels on the nose and the finish was superbly long and smooth. If you're an Armagnac aficionado or just starting and want to taste something that you can keep around, this is the one for you. Our everyday price is $99.99 and there are about 12 bottles throughout the three stores.</p><p>The tasting was finally over about 3:30pm and we headed out to <a href="http://www.avecrestaurant.com/">avec</a> and <a href="http://thepublicanrestaurant.com/">Publican</a> for more great company, world class cuisine and some of the best beer available in Chicago! It was a great day trip indeed; the only unfortunate aspect was that Kevin had to drive home while the rest of us slept peacefully the whole way back home.</p><br /> <br /> <br />todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Tue, 10 May 2011 22:46:00 GMTNicolas Catena Event Wrapup by guest blogger Graham Millerhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/event-wrapup-by-guest-blogger-graham-miller
<p style="text-align: center;"><img sizeratio="0.8854166666666666" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/c5e90261-2acc-43d9-a908-8c727bacc981/bodega-catena-zapata.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="height: 340px; width: 384px;" /></p><h1><span style="color: #15335f;"><strong>Catena event at Fleming's Steakhouse May 4, 2011</strong></span></h1><p><strong>Amazing Food..... Stunning Wines...... Absolut Enjoyment.....</strong>. This is how you sum up the Catena event at Fleming's.&nbsp; Hosted by Jorge Liloy of Catena, the evening began with crispy garlic flatbread topped with arugula pesto, feta and truffle fingerling potatoes. This was paired with <strong>Catena's outstanding (</strong><em><strong>90 point Robert Parke</strong>r</em>) Chardonnay and Tilia's (Catena) gorgeous blend of Malbec/Syrah.&nbsp; The Chardonnay is one of the most balanced Chardonnays I have ever tasted.&nbsp; With subtle oak and lovely tree fruits such as pears and apples, it conveys to your palate the sure awesomeness of Catena's elevated Chardonnay vineyards.</p><p>Next, was coriander porcini crusted pork tenderloin with pink lady apple and charred red onion chutney.&nbsp; This course was paired with none other than, <strong>Catena's "Alta" Cabernet Sauvignon (<em>91 points Robert Parker</em>) </strong>and <strong>Catena's Malbec (<em>91 points Robert Parker)</em></strong>.&nbsp; What a match made in heaven.&nbsp; The Cabernet boasted Currants and black raspberries, backed by silky smooth tannins and the perfect acidity.&nbsp; The Malbec was exceptional, with even darker notes of rainier cherries, light chocolate notes, and Asian spice.</p><p>Lastly, was the highlight of the evening.Coffee crusted lamb lollipop with shallot butter sauce paired with <strong>Alma Negra's Red Blend <em>(91 points Robert Parker)</em> </strong>and the awesome, astonishing<strong> 2007 Nicolas Catena Zapata <em>(98 points Robert Parker).</em></strong>The Alma Negra was a new blend that I had not seen before.&nbsp; It was primarily composed of Bonarda which is a grape that originates from Italy.&nbsp; The latter portions are Malbec and Cabernet Franc which add significant texture to the wine.&nbsp; This poised a wonderfully fruity but dark wine as suggested by the label which has a shadow hidden picture of a mask similar to the "Guy Fawkes Mask".&nbsp;</p><p>Before anyone tasted the Nicolas Catena Zapata, Jorge began explaining the process in which they make this wine.&nbsp; It is not rushed, over managed or technical.&nbsp; The winemaker takes plump clusters of grapes and places them in new French Oak barrels, which then through natural free run weight and hand pressing from the winemaker these grapes are crushed.&nbsp; Once the clusters have given all their juice they are removed and the wine is then placed into more new French Oak barrels to allow more fermentation and aging.&nbsp; This was an awesome portrayal from Jorge and he made us all feel the winemaker's sheer awesome craft as if we were there.&nbsp; The wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It delivers a fascinating aromatic array of pain grille, pencil lead, mineral, espresso, mocha, incense, lavender, black currant, black cherry, and blackberry.&nbsp; <em>Everyone was amazed and just kept tasting.</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It was a remarkable night and I would like to thank Fleming's, Jorge L<a name="_GoBack"></a>eloy, Monarch Beverage and everyone that attended.&nbsp;<strong> We can't wait for our next event and hope you will be able to enjoy it with us.</strong>&nbsp; Contact any of our locations to inquire about future tasting events or c<a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/calendar/upcoming-events" target="_blank">lick for our events page</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Cheers,</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Graham Miller</p><p>Assistant Manager</p><p>Kahn's Fine Wine &amp; Spirits<br /> 25 N. Pennsylvania St.<br /> Indianapolis, IN 46205</p><br />todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Sat, 07 May 2011 02:31:00 GMTThe New K Klub--Sneak Peakhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/the-new-k-klub-sneak-peak
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;">Improving the Kahnoisseur&rsquo;s Klub</span> has been our collective obsession for the last couple of weeks.<span>&nbsp; </span>We&rsquo;ve spent hours in meetings, we&rsquo;ve brainstormed, we&rsquo;ve sent hundreds of emails to each other championing various ideas for adding value to it and making it so deliciously tempting that you just can&rsquo;t wait to sign up.<span>&nbsp; </span>After weeks of toiling, I can tell you that our new offer is almost ready.<span>&nbsp; </span>Today, I&rsquo;m going to give you a <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">sneak peak at some of the New K Klub benefits</span> that will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the New K Klub is something you must join&hellip;and soon.<span>&nbsp; </span>In fact, a couple of the benefits I am going to share with you are actually worth more than the price of the K Klub membership!</p><p class="MsoNormal">To pump the K Klub full of value, wanted to do two specific things: lower the New K Klub price, and give you lots of benefits that you really care about. So that&rsquo;s exactly what we did.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The new K Klub price is now just $10!</span></strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>&nbsp; </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Of course, a low price means nothing unless what it is you&rsquo;re paying for is worth more than that. <span>&nbsp;</span>So I&rsquo;m going to highlight a couple of the new K Klub benefits to show you why <strong><em>$10 for the New K Klub is an absolute steal.</em></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We are kicking off MANY new benefits&hellip;here are just a few for now&hellip;</span></em></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>New Benefit #1: </strong>Perhaps the most popular December Kahn&rsquo;s Fine Wine event is <strong><em>Champagne and Shopping</em></strong>.<span>&nbsp; </span>Kahn&rsquo;s and our distributor partners pour around 50-60 Champagnes and Sparkling wines for no charge; included in those wines are usually about 5-6 Tete de Cuvees.<span>&nbsp; </span>Some Tete de Cuvees we&rsquo;ve had in the last couple of years are: Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot &ldquo;Rare&rdquo; 1988, Perrier Jouet Flower Label 1996, Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes D&rsquo;r and others&hellip;<span>&nbsp; </span>Let&rsquo;s face it&hellip;Tete de Cuvees make for long lines and sometimes you don&rsquo;t even get to taste them before the distributor runs out.<span>&nbsp; </span>We hate that, so we fixed it.<span>&nbsp; </span>As part of your $10 New K Klub Membership,<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>there will be a<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> K Klub only Tete de Cuvee Hour where you&rsquo;ll get to taste at least 5 Tete de Cuvees</span>!</p><p class="MsoNormal">Try to find restaurants that serve wines like Dom Perignon and Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame by the glass.<span>&nbsp; </span>These wines are rarely offered and when they are, they will cost you around $30/a glass&mdash;sometimes much more!<span>&nbsp; </span>So just know that your membership will pay for itself at Champagne and Shopping K Klub <em>ONLY</em> Tete de Cuvee Hour!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>New Benefit # 2: </strong><span>&nbsp;</span>It&rsquo;s happened to all of us.<span>&nbsp; </span>We&rsquo;ve all signed up for retailer email lists and received emails about highly rated items.<span>&nbsp; </span>When you try to order those items for yourself you find that the retailer has already sold out of the item.<span>&nbsp; </span>Better luck next time, my friend.<span>&nbsp; </span>We hate that, so we fixed it.<span>&nbsp; </span>As a member of the K Klub, we think you&rsquo;ll really enjoy K Klub Head Start.<span>&nbsp; </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">K Klub Head Start emails you about highly rated, highly allocated and rare items 2 DAYS BEFORE we communicate with any other customers!<span>&nbsp; </span></span>We bet you can beat everyone to those fine wines and spirits with a 2 DAY HEAD START!</p><p class="MsoNormal">I hope you&rsquo;ve realized by now that we mean business.<span>&nbsp; </span>Kahn&rsquo;s is excited about the New K Klub and we hope you&rsquo;ll join us.<span>&nbsp; </span>We&rsquo;re kicking off the new Klub officially very soon, so keep checking in for more benefits as we get closer to kickoff, but <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">if you&rsquo;re ready to take the plunge and sign up for the New Kahnoisseur&rsquo;s Klub, call us at 317-251-9463 or email </span><a href="mailto:todd@kahnsfinewines.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">todd@kahnsfinewines.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> and we&rsquo;ll get you signed up.<span>&nbsp; </span>Cheers!</span></p><br /><br /><br />todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:33:00 GMTK Klub Event--May 4th--Catena Wine and Dinehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/k-klub-event-may-4th-kahn-s-fine-wines-features-the-wines-of-nicolas-catena-at-fleming-s-steakhouse
<p style="text-align: center;"><img sizeratio="0.8854166666666666" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/80f94e79-a2d4-4fef-97ad-60cbfc3afa83/bodega-catena-zapata.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="width: 384px; height: 340px;" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h1 style="text-align: center;">Kahnoisseur's Klub, Catena, and Fleming's Steakhouse Present...an Argentinian Wine and Dine Event<br /></h1><p style="text-align: center;"><em>Hosted by Biochemist and Master Sommelier candidate, <strong>Jorges E. Leloy</strong></em><strong><em>!</em></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>When:</strong> May 4 from 6-7:30PM</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Where:</strong> <strong>Fleming's Steakhouse</strong> 8487 Union Chapel Road, Indianapolis, IN 46240</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cost: </strong>$40/person (K-Klub Price: $32).</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #15335f;"><strong>Join K-Klub NOW for just $10/yr and get the $32 event discount price</strong><em>. </em><strong>To Review, $42 gets you a year of K Klub AND a ticket to this wonderful event!</strong></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em></em></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">RSVP Required</span></strong><strong> - </strong>Call or visit any Kahn's to reserve tickets. Seating is limited!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Keystone - 251-Wine (9463)&nbsp;&nbsp; Downtown - 632-9463&nbsp;&nbsp; North Willow - 228-9463</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>THE MAY 4 MENU: Prepared by the expert hands of Fleming's Steakhouse:</strong></p><div style="text-align: center;"></div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">1<sup>st</sup> Course</span></strong></p><div style="text-align: center;"></div><p style="text-align: center;"><em>Crispy garlic flatbread with Arugula pesto, feta and truffle fingerling potatoes.&nbsp; </em></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Paired with</strong>: Catena Chardonnay and Tilia Malbec/Syrah Blend.<br /></em></p><div style="text-align: center;"></div><p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2<sup>nd</sup> Course</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><p style="text-align: center;"><em>Coriander porcini crusted pork tenderloin with pink lady apple and charred red onion chutney</em><strong><em>&nbsp; </em></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Paired with:</em></strong><em> Catena "Alta" Cabernet Sauvignon and Catena Malbec.</em></p><div style="text-align: left;"></div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">3<sup>rd</sup> Course</span></strong></p><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><p style="text-align: center;"><em>Coffee crusted lamb lollipop with shallot butter sauce</em><strong><em>.&nbsp; </em></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Paired with:</em></strong><em>Alma Negra Red Blend<a name="_GoBack"></a> andNicolas Catena Zapata.</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Thu, 21 Apr 2011 23:14:00 GMTEhrhart v. Ehrhart: A Battle of the Gewurtztraminershttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/ehrhart-v-ehrhart-a-battle-of-the-gewurtztraminers
<p>Last Saturday night, I was able to get away from our North Willow store at a fairly reasonable hour.&nbsp; Before I left, I made two purchases: the <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-region/france/other/ehrhart-gewz-rosenberg-2004/mpsfi/89906302-dff0-46ea-8df7-adede6246ae0">Ehrhart Gewurtztraminer Rosenberg 2004</a> and the <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/wine/wine-by-varietal/white-wines/gewurztraminer/ehrhart-gewurztraminer-herrenweg/mpsfi/28bdf0e2-1c33-45ce-851f-94ccf1f605e8">Ehrhart Gewurtztraminer Herrenweg 2009</a>.&nbsp; While I considered going straight home and opening these bad boys for a little Gewurtztraminer mini-marathon, I decided that it would be more fun to share this wine with some friends.&nbsp; I'm a giver...what can I say?</p><p>I decided to head over to our flagship store on Keystone Ave. to kidnap Brennan to join me and another friend&nbsp;for an evening of good wine, good food and good company.&nbsp;&nbsp;For those of you who don't know, Brennan loves to share.&nbsp; If competitive sharing were a real sport (instead of one Kyle and I made up on observing Brennan in action), then&nbsp;Brennan would be its undisputed champion.&nbsp;He turns sharing into an art and throughout the years he has shared many great wines with me, so I decided&nbsp;to return the favor.&nbsp;After wrangling Brennan away from entering beer Purchase Orders into the system--not an easy task because of his love for beer, Purchase Orders and technology--we dropped his car off and headed to a friend's house in downtown Indianapolis to see what these Alsace wines were all about.&nbsp; <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">For a good summary of Alsace wine click <a href="http://www.terroir-france.com/wine/alsace.htm"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #800080;">here</span></span></a></span></p><p><strong>Cliff Notes on Alsace: </strong>Suffice it to say that Alsace wines are absolutely some of my favorites.&nbsp; Alsace features mostly aromatic whites like Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and my personal favorite: Gewurtztraminer;&nbsp;little red&nbsp;wine is grown.&nbsp; Alsace wines range from bone dry to unctuously sweet, rare dessert wines.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alsace vineyards are fairly dry and sunny and the best sites are able to produce wines high in acid, body, minerality,&nbsp;richness and wonderful, even exotic aromatics.&nbsp; Alsace is one of the only places on earth where you can find full-bodied whites that are up to 16% ABV and still "dry."&nbsp; I say "dry" because these wines are pretty rich, even if there is technically no residual sugar present.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Notes on what we tried:</strong></p><p><strong>Rosenberg 2004: 91 pts</strong> Tried at just a little bit below room temp.&nbsp; Honeyed and lush with textbook lychee and sandalwood aromas and full palate of ripe, floral scented, exotic, spicy fruits.&nbsp; Drinking absolutely beautifully.&nbsp; If the vintage scares you, be not afraid, because this wine is absolutely perfect right now and probably has about 2-3 more years left.&nbsp; An absolute must buy.&nbsp; <strong>We all agreed the Rosenberg was the superior wine.</strong></p><p><strong>Herrenweg 2009: 89-90:</strong> Tried initially at a fairly cool temperature and let it warm up in the glass.&nbsp; Less honeyed than the 2004 Rosenberg and maintained a grapey freshness on the nose along with scents of exotic white flowers.&nbsp; The interesting thing was&nbsp;how YOUNG it tasted.&nbsp; I would recommend&nbsp;cellaring the Herrenweg&nbsp;for another year and it will be as exciting as the Rosenberg.</p><p><strong>Three suggestions about Gewurtztraminer that you need to remember</strong>:</p><ol><li>Drink Gewurtztraminer just a little bit below room temperature</li><li>Drink Alsace and German Gewurtztraminer at about 2.5 plus yrs. of age.&nbsp; Gewurtz seems to need this time to 'integrate its perfumey, spicy exotic flavors into a seamless, elegant whole</li><li>Drink Gewurtztraminer food!&nbsp; It's delightful with Turkey and it's a dream with Asian fare and spicy food.</li></ol><p>Here's what Ehrhart's labels look like:</p><p><img sizeratio="0.7411402157164869" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/cce7ef7d-7ef2-48bb-8d70-e538ca1f316e/ehrhart-gwrtz-rosenberg.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="height: 481px; width: 649px;" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><br />todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:08:00 GMTVarietal vs. Regionalhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/varietal-vs-regional
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">American Wine: Bourbon::European Wine: Single Malt Scotch </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">Thank you for checking back in with Kahn's Fine Wines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Just for fun, I thought I&rsquo;d start off today&rsquo;s discussion with an SAT style analogy. Admittedly, I would be curious to know how many SAT takers would be able to fill in the blank here if I excluded one of the terms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Hard-core wine people can find numerous exceptions to the logic implied in the analogy above, but all analogies eventually break down at some point, so I think I&rsquo;m ok with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">The gist:</span></strong><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"> American wines and Bourbon require varietal knowledge, whereas European wines and Single Malt Scotches require regional knowledge.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">So what do American wine and Bourbon have in common?</span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">American wine and Bourbon labels place less importance on place of origin than varietal or style.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">American wine and Bourbon are both products of a varietal culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>American wine consumers are pleased to see labels graced with their favorite varietal and are often confused (rightly so) by European wine labels that only list the appellation and omit the grapes in the wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Can you imagine if a producer in Napa Valley just put the word Napa on the label and didn&rsquo;t tell the consumer what grapes he used to produce the wine?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It would be unheard of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Part of the reason is that numerous grapes are grown in places like Napa Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Napa simply doesn&rsquo;t imply a single grape or combination of grapes like Cote de Beaune in Burgundy, because grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grow in Napa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Here&rsquo;s an example of a typical American wine label.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Note the presence of the varietal name.<strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></strong></span></p><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><img sizeratio="0.66796875" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/d1e17cdc-ed23-4590-9650-caba01093e37/waterstone-cabernet.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="width: 256px; height: 171px;" /></span><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">Bourbon is similar to American wine because it really is an &ldquo;American whisky varietal.&rdquo; The word Bourbon does not imply place of origin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Consider that the grains to produce Bourbon are sourced from numerous U.S. states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>While many people believe that Bourbon has to be made in Bourbon County, Kentucky they might be shocked to know that no Bourbon is made in Bourbon County.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>In fact, Bourbon can be made in any U.S. state.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">American wine and Bourbon are functions of the American varietal culture where varietal is more important that place.</span></strong><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">European wine and Single Malt Scotch are different.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">Let&rsquo;s say you stumble into the French aisle at Kahn&rsquo;s and tell a blonde-haired wine dude that you&rsquo;d like a Chardonnay that&rsquo;s big, rich and buttery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He might pick up a bottle that says the word Meursault and tell you that &ldquo;if you like rich, full-bodied, buttery Chardonnay then you&rsquo;ll love this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It&rsquo;s Chardonnay from France, and Meursault is a village in the Cote de Beaune, which is located in Burgundy.&rdquo;</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">This is when the shock sets in. You&rsquo;re probably thinking: &ldquo;Who in the hell is this guy and how does he know that Meursault is Chardonnay, and more importantly, why doesn&rsquo;t the label say the word Chardonnay if there&rsquo;s Chardonnay in there?&rdquo;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Here&rsquo;s a typical European wine label.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Notice how big the region is and also notice the absence of any mention of varietal&hellip;</span></p><p><img sizeratio="1" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/3f20cac2-2101-4f56-8086-2d3daba050f6/drouhin-meursault.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="width: 180px; height: 180px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">It doesn&rsquo;t say Chardonnay because the producers want you to associate the wine in the bottle with a place, not a grape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Walk through any wine shop and find the sections for Italy, France, or Spain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>You&rsquo;ll see one theme repeat itself over and over: no grape names on labels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>There are exceptions, like Alsace, of course, but in general, <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">European wineries want consumers to know that their wines come from a certain region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></strong>The actual grape names are much less important than in the New World.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">Does this hurt their sales in the United States and many other New World countries?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Of course, but many wineries will never change&mdash;proof that tradition is still alive and well.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">So American wineries labels have the grape names on them and European wines have the region&hellip;what about the whisky side of the analogy?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">If you purchase a whisky that says the word bourbon on the label, you can be reasonably certain that it will taste similar to other whiskies you have purchased whose label also sported the word bourbon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This is not true for Single Malt Scotch.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">Single Malt Scotch, like European wine requires regional knowledge.</span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">Take a look at these two labels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>One is from the Highlands while the other is from Islay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Let me assure you, they taste completely different.</span></p><p>&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><img sizeratio="0.551617873651772" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/4a7c1acf-bb4e-4b5c-8704-407484eed006/lagavulin16058.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="255" height="179" style="width: 325px; height: 179px;" /><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><img sizeratio="0.7142857142857143" onresize="ResizeImage(this);" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/fa950b1b-8733-4675-9b5c-d66b25b62539/the-macallan.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="width: 252px; height: 180px;" /></span></span></p><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">Highland Scotches are rich, round, fruity with cereal notes, toasted nuts and toffee flavors whereas Islay Scotches are generally full-bodied, smoky and peaty with iodine and seaweed flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">The point is that there are times for both whisky styles and both wine styles, but before you go shopping make sure that you are armed with the proper knowledge to deal with the choices presented to you.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">If you really enjoy European wines and are interested in trying a whisky you might enjoy, try <a href="http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/spirits/whiskey/single-malt-scotch-whiskey/glenfarclas-12yr-86pr/mpsfi/9e10a9ae-0a0a-45a2-bf80-4362af3ee741" target="_blank">Glenfarclas 12 yr.</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">Just remember: American wines and Bourbon require varietal knowledge, whereas European wines and Single Malt Scotches require regional knowledge&hellip;</span></strong><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">and everything will be alright&hellip;</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p></span></span>todd@kahnsfinewines.com (Todd Rainer)Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:59:00 GMTKentucky Bourbon Day Trip April 30thhttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/new-post-title
On April 30th, we plan to do something special with our customers. We are going to take a Day Trip to Kentucky and let them help Kahn's select barrels of whiskey. We will enjoy a fun day of touring, sampling, eating and hand picking single barrels for Kahn's.
<p>For years we have been taking the staff to distilleries in Kentucky to select barrels of Bourbon. For new employees it is a rite of passage; for the rest of us, it's just a special treat. We travel with 6-8 staff members to Buffalo Trace at least twice a year, selecting barrels of Buffalo Trace, Weller, Rock Hill, Eagle Rare or Blanton's. The last couple of years we've added Four Roses for their single barrel bourbons and Heaven Hill for Evan Williams and Elijah Craig..</p><p>We schedule the trip far enough ahead that the Master Distiller can select 4-5 barrels of each Bourbon for us to sample. The distillery staff is constantly tasting the barrels, and he wants to be sure we pick from barrels that are ready to bottle. So far, we have managed to time things out so that we only select three different Bourbons per trip! (That means tasting up to 15 different barrels!!)</p><p>On arrival we all head to the barrel room where the barrels are lined up for us. They draw two sets of samples from each barrel... one at barrel strength (that'll wake you up at 10 in the morning!) and the other cut to bottle strength. The staff then tastes thru the samples of one brand as they choose - barrel strength or cut or both. We really take this seriously... no talking allowed as we sample... we want individuals to vote for the barrel they like, not what the boss likes or their co-worker likes. Everybody votes for their top two choices, we tally the votes and, darn it, have to taste the top two vote getters again to select the best barrel. We then go thru the same process with the next brand and the next. After tasting 12-15 barrels of bourbon, (this really is a tough job!) the crew heads out on a tour of the facility - good education and a chance to walk off all that bourbon. After lunch at the distillery, we typically head for another round of tasting at another distillery - sometimes we even make it without getting lost! (The first trip from Buffalo Trace to Four Roses took 3 hours and 180 miles... according to MapQuest the trip is 35 minutes to go 21 miles!)</p><p>An interesting phenomenon occurs on every trip... by the time we arrive home, everyone voted for the winning barrel. Not too sure how that happens since we have had only on unanimous vote (last year's Elijah Craig 18 yr).</p><p>If you are interested in joining us, call one of the stores for more information... or watch for future postings in the Events section of the web or Facebook.</p><br /><br />paul@kahnsfinewines.com (Paul Thistle)Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:28:00 GMT Gaston Chiquet: A Great Grower Champagne:http://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/gaston-chiquet-a-great-grower-champagne
<p>Thanks for checking back in with Todd, your friendly Kahn's wine guru.&nbsp; Today, we're going to talk about one of my favorite subjects: <strong>Champagne.</strong></p><p><strong>Our Experience: </strong>Yesterday, we were thirsty.&nbsp; It probably doesn't shock any of you to hear that from time to time we drink wine while we are working.&nbsp; Call it 'education' or 'staff training'...call it whatever you want, but it happens.&nbsp; Anyway, Paul decided to be a good guy yesterday (he was thirsty) so he bought us a bottle of Gaston Chiquet Champagne to share.&nbsp; Gaston Chiquet is a Grower Champagne...we'll talk more about that later.&nbsp; Every employee at our North Willow location tried it and I have to be honest, it certainly brightened my day.&nbsp; The Gaston Chiquet was a study of elegance and complexity.&nbsp; Sadly, Paul made sure that we didn't drink it all, because he wanted to share some with his wife Deb--probably a good move for Paul.&nbsp; Just so you know, Deb is a pretty tough sell on Champagne; however, when I talked to Paul this morning, he told me that she loved it and he had one job today: BUY MORE.&nbsp; That Deb loved the Gaston Chiquet would be enough for me to try anything, but I thought this experience would be a good thing to write about. My official notes are below.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Gaston Chiquet Carte Verte Brut: &nbsp;92 pts.&nbsp; </strong><em>Golden color.&nbsp; Citrusy nose with a brief note of ginger and loads of minerals-I mean loads.&nbsp; On the palate, we find the same lemony citrus flavors accompanied by crisp acidity and a palate-captivating earthy complexity.&nbsp; The wine finished creamy, but clean.&nbsp; Drink now. </em>$48.99 at all Kahn's locations.</p><p><strong>What are Grower Champagnes?</strong>&nbsp; Grower Champagnes are sparkling wines produced in the Champagne region where the producer and the grower are the same entity.&nbsp; You might think this would be fairly common, but you would be incorrect.&nbsp; Click <a href="http://www.bacchusimportersltd.com/assets/pdfiles/Champagne_Grower.pdf">here</a> for excerpts from a Grower Champagne seminar by Kevin Pike and Terry Theise.</p><p><strong>How do I identify a Grower Champagne from a regular Champagne?&nbsp; </strong></p><p>It's easy.&nbsp; Look for the letters RM on the label.&nbsp; On most Champagnes, you will find the two letters NM which stands for Negociant Manipulant.&nbsp; NMs are producers who buy grapes to produce their wines.&nbsp; Grower Champanges have RM on their labels; RM stands for Recoltant Manipulant, meaning that these producers grow the grapes that they use to make their wines. When you find RM, you have located a Grower Champagne...but Grower Champagnes are a tiny % of all Champagne produced, so be patient because they are often tricky to find.</p><p><strong>THE REALITY</strong> <strong>OF THE CHAMPAGNE REGION</strong></p><ul class="unIndentedList"><li> Negociants and cooperatives produce 80% of Champagne, but only own 10% of the vineyards....Sounds fishy, doesn't it? Where is all of their fruit coming from then? </li><li> Well, the Champagne AOC is the largest in France, and producers often source fruit for Champagnes from 80-100 growers peppered here and there throughout Champagne's 85,000 acre growing region...</li><li> So...can Champagne really taste of the place where it's from when the fruit is sourced from 80-100 different vineyards dispersed over 85,000 acres? </li></ul><p><strong>THE TRUTH </strong>is that Champagne still tastes like Champagne, even when it's sourced from the various <a href="http://wine.about.com/od/vineyardvocab/g/Terroir.htm">terroir</a>s in the region, <em>but only to a point.</em></p><p><strong>WHY BUY GROWER CHAMPAGNES?</strong></p><p>Grower Champagnes literally taste of the place where the grapes were grown.&nbsp; There is something comforting when you can look out of a winery's window and know that THE GRAPES IN THESE VINEYARDS MAKE THE WINES FROM THIS WINERY.&nbsp; Don't take that for granted, because it is much less common than you might think.</p><p>Grower Champagnes are wonderful because growers aren't trying to sell you their wine with a cute label or a made-up story.&nbsp; To grower/producers, the wine they produce is really <em>their wine-</em>from grape to bottle.&nbsp; It is a product of the land they love and it is a reflection of their hard work. There's something really special about that, especially in a world where we are constantly bombarded with images that entice us to buy stuff.</p><p><strong>The vineyards at Gaston Chiquet....</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>The Price: </strong>Grower Champagnes are often the same price or 10-20% above your garden variety Champagnes that we all know and love....</p><p>If you try these delicious wines, I promise you'll be happy.</p><br />paul@kahnsfinewines.com (Paul Thistle)Mon, 04 Apr 2011 07:45:00 GMTBattle of Belgium Beers - Recaphttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/battle-of-belgium-beers-recap
<p><strong>Kahn's 2011 Battle of Belgium Recap!</strong></p><p>We set it up. We hyped it up. You drank it up!</p><p>It's a bit overdue, but for all those deeply invested and those with just a casual fascination here's all that went down in the inaugural Battle of Belgium.</p><p>We wanted to come up with an original idea for a tasting event that would give people a chance to experience a significant number of beers they might not normally give a swirl. What do people like? Beer and this time of year... the excitement of big tournaments! What can we offer people? Beer... excellent high quality Belgian beer to taste FOR FREE! Ok, let's combine those and make it blind!</p><p>After we created the idea we discovered that there were a few other concepts out there that were similar (this one for example <a href="http://t.co/vsce0kx" target="_blank" title="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/artsandliving/foodanddining/features/2011/beer-madness/">http://t.co/vsce0kx</a>), but none that really offered you what we were planning on offering.&nbsp; An 8 day, 64 Belgian beer, head to head, blind tasting tournament! It sounded ambitious, but with A LOT of help from distributors and significant positive feedback we continued onward.</p><p>Using Kahn's beer sales data from 2010, BeerAdvocate and RateBeer scores and our own staff's blind tasting ratings of 70+ beers we compiled our bracket (<a href="http://tinyurl.com/65cbss2"><strong>http://tinyurl.com/65cbss2</strong></a><strong>)</strong>. We did have to and eliminate a few due to limited availability , but still ended up with 64 of about the best 90 or so Belgian style beers we carry. So many favorites, but still a lot of lesser known ones we were excited to see how people reacted to them.</p><p>The BOB begins!</p><p>Round 1 featured 16 'upsets'. 50% of the match-ups, but only one of the 'top 8' seeds goes down. It was Hoegaarden, a beer that primarily had its #2 seed thanks to its massive sales. Delirium Tremens wasn't scared and won handily! The first round highlighted one criticism people (customers and those in the industry) had about our set up... 'why aren't the brackets set up by style?' Well, when are tournaments set up like that? Are there really enough representatives from each style to compile 'fair' brackets? (Quads and Tripels made up a larger percentage of the higher rated beers) AND, most importantly, why would you want to eliminate the main fun factor of the entire concept? How will beers of differing styles fare against each other? A prime example of this was our #1 overall seed Rochefort 10 (quad) v. Lindeman's Cuvee Rene (gueuze). Complete opposites, but we were pretty interested in finding out what people would think in our format! Sure, it's not fair if you want to look at it as a supreme way to judge beer, but that was not at all what we were going for. These beers are all good or they wouldn't be included in the first place. Let's just have some fun with them now!</p><p>As the event went on we started seeing a few trends. People love high gravity Belgian beer whether they can see the label or not. This certainly wasn't unexpected. Tripels and Quads were getting the job done! Of the 31 total breweries with beers in the tourney, 5 breweries really set themselves apart from the crowd, and 1 in particular. St. Bernardus was by far the most dominant brewery in the entire tournament. It landed 6 beers in the field and 2 of the final 4 and the winning beer, Abt 12! Goose Island was second in that department with 5 beers in, 3 in the final 16 and had Matilda place 2<sup>nd</sup> overall. The other three breweries that all advanced their beers quite far were Rochefort (Rochefort 8 placed 3<sup>rd</sup> overall), The Bruery (Tradewinds Tripel was a major hit with voters) and Unibroue (look at Canada putting 2 beers in the final 8!).</p><p>When you narrowed our big ol' tourney down to the last 4, it was a heated 4-way, steel cage match of brown-bagged belgo-beer! St. Bernardus' tag team of Abt 12 and Pater 6 occupied 2 corners, staring down Rochefort 8 and Goose Island Matilda. 'Let's get it on!' Pater 6 was the only surprise entrant in the final and though it got in some punches, finished 4<sup>th</sup> with 22 votes. After owning the Bruges bracket, Rochefort 8 ran out of steam and finished 3<sup>rd</sup> with 23 votes. 1<sup>st</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup> places went back and forth all night. Matilda actually won at our Keystone and Downtown stores<a name="_GoBack"></a>, but did so poorly at North Willow that Abt 12 was able to rally and take the first ever Battle of Belgium championship!</p><p>Here's the final bracket: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/4ctwhkq"><strong>http://tinyurl.com/4ctwhkq</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><p>Overall, the event was a major success. Goals were met. People experienced new beer, beer was bought, we learned what beers people really enjoy and it created a buzz and interesting conversations about these amazing beers. We couldn't have asked for much more and can't wait for next year! Do we stay with the Belgian theme? Expand to 68 beers? (Ha!) &nbsp;Hone it back a touch and do more, smaller tournaments? It's still up in the air, so feel free to let us know your thoughts. What'd we do right? What'd we screw up? What should we do next? Tell us! Thanks to all of you who participated!</p><br /><br />paul@kahnsfinewines.com (Paul Thistle)Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:26:00 GMTConflicted Wine-o Recommendshttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/conflicted-wine-o-recommends
<strong>Conflicted wine-o recommends a beer for Champagne lovers?</strong> &nbsp;Thanks for checking back in with Todd, your friendly Kahn's wine guru. I know it's fairly early to say something like this, but I feel like I'm being wooed, nay lured, by what I used to call the inferior beverage: beer. If you are a fellow wine-o and have felt a recent disturbance in the wine force, it's probably my fault. Call me Darth Vader if you want, but I haven't gone over to the dark side just yet... In my defense though, I tend to gravitate towards beers that are vinous, and my favorite beer country, Belgium, borders two of the most powerhouse wine countries in the world: France and Germany. Click here to see a map. Just so you know, I'm not going to nerd out too much about all of this, but Champagne and one of my favorite Belgian beer styles, Gueuze, aren't too terribly different. Gueuze looks like a funny word that would be pronounced incorrectly by most people, right? Click here and pick the Flemish choice to see how Gueuze is really pronounced. Gueuze is essentially a blend of young and old lambic beers; lambics are ales that are spontaneously fermented. Spontaneously fermented you say? Sounds like a lot of clever beer magic and hullabaloo to me, but It refers to the fact that Belgian brewers let the yeasts and bacteria (yes, bacteria) that are present in the air naturally ferment the wort....Yet another fancy word...darn it. Wort is the liquid that contains the sugars that will be fermented into alcohol. Gueuze and Champagne are similar because both undergo a second fermentation IN THE BOTTLE. Gueuze undergoes the second fermentation in the bottle because it is a blend of old and young lambics. As it turns out, the young lambics have not completed their fermentation process, so when a Gueuze is bottled, the yeast continues to convert the fermentable sugars into alcohol and CO2. Since CO2 cannot escape because the bottle is capped, the beer becomes carbonated...just like Champagne.
<p>Anyway, let's talk about some actual booze...Behold, the beer for Champagne drinkers the Oud Beersel Gueuze...</p><img class="MPStyle_ImgAlignLeft" sizeratio="1.332" src="//mpcms.blob.core.windows.net/13d9597b-3ec8-485b-b339-4b8bbba0b48e/img/prd/b64204dd-66a6-430d-a475-bf0cdfc0b220/oud-beersel.jpg" border="0" alt="" align="left" /><p><strong>Conflictedwineo Rating:</strong> A Pours beautifully from the bottle with lots of head. Beautiful amber/gold/orange color. Make sure to put your nose into it, I mean really get in there and you will understand the essence of Gueuze...sourness, but not oh, my word I just ate an entire lemon sourness, just sourness. It's there and it holds the rest of the ale together. The Oud Beersel is not a beer for hopheads, but you do pick up a faint hop aroma on the nose that is delivered on the palate. This particular bottle had a subtle tartness which, I am told increases with age. I would have liked it to be more tart, but it certainly delivered a subtle, funky, interesting aroma that is common for gueuze. Wine lovers, there are simply few beers that are as vinous as lambics and gueuze. If you're thinking of getting into beer but have been a wine drinker for years, then try these beer styles. You will not regret it.</p><p>Plus...the biggest bonus of all: price. The Oud Beersel Gueuze will set you back about $16.99, and while this is certainly more than the average beer, it is way less expensive than even an entry level Champagne which generally starts at $39.99. Thus, Gueuze offers an outstanding value. In fact, it sounds so good that I'm getting thirsty for one right now...if only I weren't at work! I will tell you though...next time I'm feeling the need for some bubbly, I'm going to think twice before dropping $40 on a Champagne. Plus I already have another Oud Beersel waiting for me in my fridge at home.</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />paul@kahnsfinewines.com (Paul Thistle)Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:29:00 GMTThe Old Storehttp://www.kahnsfinewines.com/kahns-blog/the-old-store
<strong>The "old store."</strong> Welcome to the Kahn's Fine Wine blog. My name is Todd and I have worked at Kahn's since 2006. I started off as a part-time employee in what many long time Kahn's customers now refer to as "the old store." Since Kahn's now has three stores, the term seems appropriate, but the &lsquo;old store' ALWAYS seemed like an old store to me. It was the wine shop version of an ancient bookstore but the stacks of books were replaced with boxes and boxes of wine, and they were EVERYWHERE. Customers often came to Kahn's in search of something obscure, something they &lsquo;couldn't find anywhere;' thankfully, Kahn's has always specialized in helping customers to find the unfindable. Sometimes we would have to step over a box or two, and maybe turn the corner of one of the many, fairly cramped aisles, but we never failed to reappear with a bottle in hand. For a while, customers must have thought that Kahn's was just like everywhere else that told them &lsquo;no' before. Over time, "the old store" built the reputation that continues to define Kahn's: Come here to find what you think is unfindable.<br /><br /><br />paul@kahnsfinewines.com (Paul Thistle)Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:29:00 GMT